By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Operation Christmas Child national collection week has been scheduled for Nov. 16-23 and those wishing to participate can fill a shoebox with gifts to brighten the Christmas season for a young boy or girl.

Helena First Baptist Church has been designated as one of the official drop-off locations and will be accepting shoeboxes at various times throughout the week.

How Operation Christmas Child works is a participant will find an average-sized shoebox to fill with various gift for a young boy or girl between the ages of 2-14.

Those dropping off the shoeboxes are encouraged to pray over the child who will receive the gift and may include a personal note or message to go along with the gifts.

Those donating should purchase a tracking label online for $7 so they can follow the box and discover the destination of the shoebox gift.

The shoebox gift may be the first gift a child has ever received and participants in Operation Christmas Child have the opportunity to bring much joy to a young boy or girl.

Helena First Baptist Church is located at 815 Shelby County 52 East and the official drop-off times are as follows: Nov. 16-19 from 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Nov. 20 from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22 from 1-5 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 9-10 a.m.

To find more information on Operation Christmas Child, instructions on packing a box, gift suggestions and more visit Samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/.