Collection of gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child coming up in Kona

Community members can start dropping off shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child at Living Stones Church in Kona on Nov. 17.

The project is part of the Samaritan’s Purse organization, where shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items and toys will be shipped to keiki around the world, along with a message about Jesus Christ.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.

“Now more than ever, children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope,” said Franklin Graham, president of the nonprofit. “A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.” 

There are 4,500 locations set up across the United States where shoeboxes can be dropped off. Collection ends on Nov. 24.

This year, Samaritan’s Purse hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 12.6 million children. 

Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoeboxes to children worldwide since 1993, collecting and delivering more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Individuals, families, and groups can transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.

Preprinted shoeboxes are available at two Kona locations: Akua’s Automotive Services, 74-5583 Pawai Place, or Wisteria Lane Flooring, 74-5483 Kaiwi St #100. Those interested in participation can also pack their own box online at Build A Shoebox.

Participants can drop off at Living Stones Church, 76-6224 Ali‘i Dr., or find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation by clicking here. The online lookup tool is searchable by City or ZIP code.

Click here for more details on how to pack a shoebox.

For more information, contact Operation Christmas Child area coordinators Ray Vater at 808-345-5035 or Jeanette Vater at 808-315-2479.