Kamuela Global Children’s Christmas Charity drop-off locations opening soon

NORTH HAWAII — Mana Christian Ohana and Solid Rock North will serve as collection sites in North Hawaii this year for the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

During National Collection Week, Nov. 14 – 21, Kamuela residents can donate shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys — such as a doll or soccer ball — for Operation Christmas Child to deliver to children in need around the world. This year, they hope to collect more than 9,700 shoebox gifts toward the 2016 global goal of reaching 12 million children. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

“The shoebox gifts donated by Kamuela volunteers at these drop-off locations will shine a light of hope to children living in poverty overseas,” said Nathan Bates, West Coast regional director for Operation Christmas Child. “Anyone is welcome to pack a shoebox and help a child facing difficult circumstances to feel loved and not forgotten.”

Mana Christian Ohana, located across the street from Kahilu Theatre in Waimea, will accept donations next week from 9 a.m.-noon and 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Nov. 21 from 8-10 a.m.

In Hawi, Solid Rock North church will be open Monday-Saturday noon-4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Nov. 21 from 7-10 a.m.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization. Their mission is to help children in need around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories.

Info to participate: Call (714) 432-7030 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ