Operation Christmas Child event in Coshocton

Come learn more about Operation Christmas Child and get started on your box at the Make It Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at Burt Avenue Wesleyan Church.

Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts are a project of Samaritan’s Purse with the goal of sharing the love of Jesus with children in need around the world. Since 1993 Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Sisters Julie Henry and Vickie Davis are involved with the project at Burt Avenue and have both visited the processing center for the boxes.

“Every time we are there, we see all the things that come through and the ideas that people come up with,” Davis said. “We thought, 'Why can’t we make things too?' People think the boxes have to be full of stuff that was bought, but you can make things and add a personal touch.”

At the Make It Day, attendees can enjoy a soup lunch and create beaded bracelets, tic tac toe baggies and sewing kits. Donations have come from Rose of Sharon and others.

“We are hoping other churches around the area will catch the vision,” Davis said. “Come enjoy the projects and take them home for your own shoeboxes.”

Malinda Baker is the Ohio East Area Team, Great Lakes Region church project leader, a church relations team member and drop-off leader. She said 2025 was a record-breaking year with 12.2 million shoeboxes being collected. More than 3,000 of those came from Coshocton County.

“Each shoebox is a chance to share the Gospel,” Baker said. “It’s an opportunity for children ages 2-14 to hear the Gospel and hopefully accept Jesus Christ in their heart.”

National Collection Week will be Nov. 16-23. Learn more about building your shoebox online at www.samaritanspurse.org/buildonline or call or email Baker at 740-502-0227 or malindabaker820@gmail.com.