Ottawa County will once again have two drop-off-locations for this year’s Operation Christmas Child’s Shoebox Campaign hosted by Samaritan’s Purse, which collects shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to deliver to children in need around the world.

For many of these children, the shoebox of gifts will be the first they have ever received. Since 2009, more than 23 million children who have received a shoebox gift have participated in The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson discipleship program taught by trained local volunteers to share their faith with friends and family.

Due to Covid-19, the churches will be following safety procedures to keep those donating and volunteers safe with touchless curbside drop off of the boxes. Program volunteers will be wearing masks and gloves, and using hand sanitizer.

The drop-off locations are: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 541 Church Rd., Marblehead (Leader Jean Rhodes, 440-739-0579); and Oak Harbor Alliance Chapel, 11805 W. St. Rt. 105, Oak Harbor (Leader Mary Hill , 419-898-4048).

All individuals, organizations, and churches may drop off their filled shoe boxes on Nov. 16-23 at either of these locations. Phone church leaders for preferred drop-off times.