If you’ve been filling shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, and other goodies for Operation Christmas Child, good news — it’s National Collection Week! Now that you’ve finished making all the tough decisions (Cardboard or plastic shoebox? Baby doll or teddy bear? How do I squeeze these last few items in there?) you may be wondering where you’re supposed to take your box. Three Cowley County churches will be ready to collect your boxes this week.

In Ark City you can drop off shoeboxes at Mt. Zion Community Church. What started out 10 years ago as a youth group packing 10–15 boxes has been embraced by the entire church, and this year they packed 483 shoeboxes! This is Mt. Zion’s third year hosting a drop-off location.

“We look to support missions of varying levels. We support local as well as international ministries. We desire that everyone come to the realization that we all are broken in some way and that the only way to eternal life in heaven is through personal faith in Jesus. We support ministries that also want to spread the hope that Jesus offers, and Samaritan’s Purse OCC shoeboxes are a tangible way of doing this.” — Tamen Eis, Mt. Zion Community Church

In Udall your boxes can be delivered to New Life Chapel. Although church members have been packing shoeboxes on their own for years, this is the church’s 2nd year to volunteer their time and space for National Collection Week.

“The shoebox gifts are an incredible opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus to children in need. In the hands of the local churches, every gift filled shoebox is a tool for evangelism and discipleship, transforming the lives of children and their families around the world.” — Pastor Angie Exley, New Life Chapel

New to collections this year is Central Baptist Church in Winfield. For the last eight years, members at Central have collected shoebox items as a church and held a “packing party”. This year, after packing 505 shoeboxes, church members were reminded that these shoeboxes are not just about the trinkets and toys inside. These shoeboxes represent 505 opportunities for children around the world to learn about their Savior and ask Jesus into their hearts.

“We believe in reaching as many people as we can for Jesus and His Kingdom. This is an outstanding way to do it.” — Ed Shubert, Central Baptist Church

If you would like to participate in packing a shoebox you can learn more by visiting Samaritan’s Purse’s website or by watching the video below.

“You can be the very beginning of a gift filled shoebox journey by simply getting a shoebox and filling it with love! Your gift will bring the good news and great joy to a child in need. Some of which will be their first time ever receiving a gift.” — Pastor Angie Exley, New Life Chapel

Drop-off Locations and Times in Cowley County

Mount Zion Community Church 31948 31st Rd Arkansas City, KS 67005 — Mon, Nov. 18: 1:30 PM — 6:30 PM Tue, Nov. 19: 1:30 PM — 6:30 PM Wed, Nov. 20: 11:00 AM — 4:30 PM Thu, Nov. 21: 11:00 AM — 6:00 PM Fri, Nov. 22: 2:00 PM — 7:00 PM Sat, Nov. 23: 12:00 PM — 5:00 PM Sun, Nov. 24: 2:00 PM — 5:00 PM Mon, Nov. 25: 8:00 AM — 12:00 PM

New Life Chapel 2654 58th Drive Udall, KS 67146 — Mon, Nov. 18: 8:00 AM — 10:00 AM Tue, Nov. 19: 8:00 AM — 10:00 AM Wed, Nov. 20: 5:30 PM — 7:30 PM Thu, Nov. 21: 5:30 PM — 7:30 PM Fri, Nov. 22: 8:00 AM — 10:00 AM Sat, Nov. 23: 1:00 PM — 3:00 PM Sun, Nov. 24: 1:00 PM — 3:00 PM Mon, Nov. 25: 8:00 AM — 10:00 AM

Central Baptist Church 904 Wheat Rd Winfield, KS 67156 — Mon, Nov. 18: 4:00 PM — 6:00 PM Tue, Nov. 19: 4:00 PM — 6:00 PM Wed, Nov. 20: 4:00 PM — 6:00 PM Thu, Nov. 21: 4:00 PM — 6:00 PM Fri, Nov. 22: 4:00 PM — 6:00 PM Sat, Nov. 23: 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM Sun, Nov. 24: 3:00 PM — 5:00 PM Mon, Nov. 25: 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM