County’s collection points are at Hopewell, Westview Baptist

With Christmas only 49 days away, the Andalusia Rotary Club is among the many organizations getting ready to pack boxes for the Operation Christmas Child, commonly known as the shoebox ministry.

Charles Brown is overseeing the project for Rotary this year, and said the club will pack 100 boxes.

“We have already purchased all of our boxes and materials,” Brown said. “Our budget for the program this year is approximately $1,000. With each box costing $9 to ship, if anyone would like to donate financially that would be a huge help.”

The scheduled packing date is Nov. 12, and Brown said that he enjoys the fellowship the most.

“I really love the true camaraderie between all of us,” Brown said. “The spirit of service of being a Rotarian and being able to give back in some way is amazing. Like all Rotarians say, ‘Service above self.’”

Brown said that Andalusia Health has agreed to donate hygiene items and Tim Bryan has agreed to donate coloring books for the projects.

If anyone is interested in donating, they can contact Brown at Sanbuck Insurance on the square at 334-222-1556.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. Their mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

They ship these simple gifts outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the United States.

Individuals who wish to participate may back boxes and drop off at one of two county locations:

• Hopewell Baptist Church, Mon, Nov. 12 until Fri., Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m., until 7:30 p.m.

Sat, Nov. 17: 9:00 a.m., until a.m.

Sun, Nov. 18: 12:30 p.m., until 2:30 p.m.

Mon, Nov. 19: 7 a.m., until 9 a.m.

• Westview Baptist Church, Mon., Nov. 12 until Fri., Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m., until 6:30 p.m.

Sat., Nov. 17 from 8 a.m., until 10 a.m.

Sun., Nov. 18 from noon until 5 p.m.

Mon., Nov. 19 from 7:30 a.m., until 9:30 a.m.