For the 19th consecutive year, the YMCA of Central Florida has joined forces with the Samaritan’s Purse in support of Operation Christmas Child, an annual gift-filled shoebox drive for children in need.
Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, collecting and delivering more than 113 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 130 countries. Last year alone, the Y facilitated the collection of more than 25,000 gift-filled shoeboxes. In addition to the treats, small toys, and hygiene items, many of the boxes contained personal messages of faith and encouragement for those who sent them.
To continue to help these children in need, we need the community’s support. Now through Nov. 22, individuals, families, churches and groups are invited to drop off a gift-filled shoebox at one of the Y’s 25 locations in Central Florida. Shoeboxes can include small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and notes of encouragement.
Because clear, plastic shoe boxes can be re-purposed for carrying water to many children's homes, we encourage you to purchase and fill one or more of these.
To get involved or to donate a gift-filled shoebox, please visit a local YMCA in your area. For a full listing of YMCA locations, please visit www.ymcacf.org or call 407-896-9220.