Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, has collected and delivered more than 188 million shoebox gifts to more than 170 countries and territories.
Anyone can pack a shoebox by filling it with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, such as dolls or soccer balls.
Participants can donate a $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
Shoeboxes are available at Big Island Toyota and De Luz Chevrolet for community use.
Now through Monday (Nov. 22), shoeboxes will be collected at Hilo Missionary Church, Puna Covenant Church, Hamakua First Assembly of God, Big Island Toyota and De Luz Chevrolet.
Visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ for drop off times or call 808-987-7373.
In a statewide effort last year, 38,000 shoeboxes were collected in Hawaii.