LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) — The holiday season is a time of giving, and this year, the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child, invites everyone to participate in spreading joy to children in need. From November 18–25, individuals, families, and groups can pack shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items to deliver hope to children around the world. With more than 4,700 drop-off locations nationwide, there’s a convenient spot near you to join in this heartfelt mission.

Courtesy: Samaritan's Purse
Courtesy: Samaritan's Purse
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Why You Should Get Involved

Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, shares the heart behind the mission:

“Samaritan’s Purse is committed to taking the Gospel to hard-to-reach places—whether it’s responding to a disaster or sharing God’s love through the power of a simple shoebox. You can show kids in need the true meaning of Christmas this year through a shoebox gift. Please prayerfully consider packing a shoebox this year.”

Getting involved is simple! Use the online lookup tool at samaritanspurse.org/occ to find the nearest drop-off location by city or ZIP code. For added convenience, participants can also pack a shoebox virtually through the Build a Shoebox Online program, customizing gifts by age and gender and even including a personal note of encouragement.


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Drop-off Locations In Acadiana:

Lafayette, LA - Christ Church
1700 East Willow Street Lafayette, LA 70501-3202

Youngsville, LA - Youngsville Community Church
4129 Verot School Road Youngsville, LA 70592-5636

Abbeville, LA - Our Savior's Church
901 Wildcat Drive Abbeville, LA 70510
New Iberia, LA - Word of Hope World Outreach Church
705 W Admiral Doyle Drive New Iberia, LA 70560-6416
Opelousas, LA - Our Savior’s Church-Opelousas
202 Our Savior’s Church Blvd Opelousas, LA 70570

About Operation Christmas Child

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered over 220 million shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. Each shoebox is more than a gift—it’s a symbol of hope, love, and the spirit of Christmas.

Make this season brighter for a child in need. Join Operation Christmas Child and be part of sharing God’s love with the world. For more information, call 817-595-2230 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

This holiday season, your shoebox could change a life. Let’s make it a Christmas to remember!

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It's so easy to get wrapped up in the holiday season. You may be paying more attention to the things you need to buy and less attention to your surroundings. Crime can happen so quickly.

Gallery Credit: Bernadette Lee