Operation: Christmas Child

Samaritan’s Purse is a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization engaged in crisis relief and community development while showing people God’s love. Founded in 1970 and active around the world, Samaritan’s Purse offers aid to the victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine in response to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In 2008, 1069 shoeboxes came through the Russell County relay center. Our goal this year is to raise that number to 1300 shoeboxes. (The total last year for the Lake Cumberland region (Russell, Pulaski, Laurel, Whitney, Knox, Rockcastle, McCreary, and Wayne counties). This number is greater than any other region in Kentucky, excepting the Lousiville region. So the effort in the Lake Cumberland area is something of which we can be proud. (The 2009 goal for the Lake Cumberland region is15,000 shoeboxes.

Where are the relay centers for Operation Christmas Child?

• Russell County Relay Center:
   Fairview Baptist Church located at the intersection of Hwy 80 and Hwy 910 (Shoebox deliveries at the rear please)
• More Information:
   To locate other relay centers near you or for more information about Operation Christmas Child: www.samaritanspurse.org/occ
  Fairview Baptist Church: 270-866-3401
  Lake Cumberland Region 800 number: 800-460-2856

How can I help with Operation Christmas Child?

• Build shoeboxes (suggestions):
  Hygiene Items
   Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hairbrush or comb, etc.
  Personal Items 
  Socks, gloves, hats, & hair supplies for girls
  School Supplies
  Paper, crayons, pencils, candy, sharpeners, coloring books, etc.
   Toys
• Check the OCC website for more suggestions as well as information on what to not include in a shoebox.
  
• Pray for the shoeboxes, safe travel to their destination, those receiving them, and those witnessing to the recipients.
  
• Volunteer to work in a relay center or collection center.
  
• For each of the above items, check the OCC website for more information:www.samaritanspurse.org/occ