Churches in St. Lawrence County will collect gift-filled shoeboxes Nov. 16-23 as part of Operation Christmas Child, an annual project that distributes gifts to children in more than 100 countries.

Victory Baptist Church in Winthrop and New Life Assembly of God in Ogdensburg will serve as local collection sites during National Collection Week.

The project, organized by Samaritan’s Purse, encourages individuals, families and groups to pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and personal care items for children in need.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered shoebox gifts to children affected by poverty, war, disease and natural disasters. The organization aims to reach 12.8 million children worldwide in 2026.

Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches in recipient countries to distribute the boxes. The project also shares the Christian message of Christmas with children and their families.

“Shoebox gifts may seem simple, but they have an eternal impact. Each box is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl in need about the true meaning of Christmas,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.

Donors can contribute $10 per box online through the project’s Follow Your Box program to receive a tracking label and learn where their gift is sent.

Local collection sites

Victory Baptist Church
601 State Highway 11C, Winthrop

• Monday-Friday, Nov. 16-20: 6-8 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: 10 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Nov. 22: noon to 3 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 23: 7-9 a.m.

New Life Assembly of God
929 Park St., Ogdensburg

• Monday-Friday, Nov. 16-20: 4-6 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: 1-3 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 22: noon to 3 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 23: 8-10 a.m.