This month, several locations in the multi-county Western Wyoming Area will serve as drop-off sites for the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child — joining nearly 5,000 U.S. locations collecting gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need around the world.

During the project’s National Collection Week from Nov. 13 to Nov. 20, Kemmerer residents will transform empty shoeboxes into gifts filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys. Operation Christmas Child delivers these shoebox gifts to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.

This year, the Western Wyoming Area Team hopes to contribute more than 2,758 shoebox gifts toward the 2017 global goal of reaching 12 million children.

“We are honored to join the nationwide effort to collect gift-filled shoeboxes for children who may have never experienced the true meaning of Christmas,” said Regional Director Paul Fischbach.

Donations can be dropped off at the Valley Evangelical Free Church on Sapphire Street in Kemmerer, Calvary Chapel in Evanston, Pinedale Bible Church in Pinedale, Bridger Valley Baptist Church in Lyman or Dayspring of Star Valley in Etna.

Visit samaritanspurse.org/occ to see gift suggestions and learn more about Operation Christmas Child. 

Drop off week in Kemmerer is Monday, Nov. 13-20. Monday to Friday 5-7, Saturday 10-noon, and Sun 10-2.