It’s Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child National Collection week is under way in towns all across Northeast Mississippi.

Do you have a shoe box? Then use it to make a child smile.

The shoe boxes are packed with practical needs the children are desperate for such as school supplies, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.

A soft teddy bear, ball and jacks, deflated balls with pumps and assorted other things for the children to play with are also tucked into the boxno bigger than a a regular shoe box.

Don’t forget the teenagers. You can send a deflated soccer ball with a pump or a t-shirt or a cap for the boys. Also things like hammer and nails are handy.

For the girls send sewing kits, scissors, thread, hats or caps, ball and jacks, art supplies.

Here are some ideas:

Something to love: Teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.

Something for school: Composition book, pencil case, pens, pencils, coloring pencils, sharpener, eraser, chalk, etc.

Something to wear: T-shirt, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, sandals, thongs, etc.

Something to play with: Tennis ball, cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, wind up torch, etc.

Something for personal hygiene: Soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips, scrunchies, etc.

Something special: Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, note or photo of yourself.

Please include on the top of the box whether it is for a boy or a girl. Also include what the age appropriate toys are inside either 2-4 years; 5-9 years or 10-14 years. Also include a $7 check for shipping the box;

Here are collection sites all across North Mississippi (hours vary at each location):

Aberdeen First Baptist Church

Amory First Baptist Church

Booneville First Baptist Church

Calhoun City First Baptist Church

Columbus First Baptist Church

Columbus Boy Scout Hut, Farmers’ Market

Corinth Farmington Baptist Church

Fulton First Baptist Church

Hamilton, Ala. The Ramp

Houston Cornerstone Church

Iuka Baptist Church

Macon Calvary Baptist Church

Mathiston First Baptist Church

New Albany Hillcrest Baptist Church

Oxford The Wesley Foundation

Pontotoc West Heights Baptist Church

Red Bay, Ala. First Baptist Church

Ripley First Baptist Church

Starkville Community Church

Tupelo Hydro Hose Co.

Water Valley First Baptist Church

West Point West End Baptist Church