Operation Christmas Child, which uses a simple shoebox gift to spread the word of Jesus Christ, will have its national collection week Monday to Nov. 22.

Since 1993, more than 187 million children in more than 160 countries and territories have received a shoebox.

Each shoebox is filled with a medium to large item, such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, as well as other fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies.

The Greatest Gift booklet, which is written in more than 80 languages, is distributed with each shoebox gift. This booklet describes the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

Since 2009, around 1,000 new churches are started worldwide each year as a direct result of Operation Christmas Child.

There are approximately 4,500 drop-off locations in the United States collecting shoeboxes during national collection week.

In Butler and Armstrong counties, there are seven drop-off sites, five of which are in Butler County. The collection total in 2020 in Butler and Armstrong counties was 10,431 shoeboxes.

Even in the COVID-19-impacted year of 2020, collection still took place with volunteers wearing masks and gloves at curbside drop-offs to ensure the safety of donors and volunteers.

Curbside service will also be available at all collection sites this year. There also is the choice to get on the Samaritan’s Purse website (samaritanspurse.org/occ) to learn more about the program or to pack a shoebox online for $25, which includes the $9 shipping and distribution costs.

Those interested in serving locally with Operation Christmas Child should contact John or Jane Woitas, area coordinators for Butler and Armstrong counties, at 724-352-9005.

Scheduled drop-off sites and times are:

Community Alliance Church, 800 Mercer Road, Butler

Nov. 15 — 5 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 16 — 2 to 4 p.m.

Nov. 17 — 5 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 18 — 9 to 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 — 5 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 20 — 9 to 11 a.m.

Nov. 21 — 1 to 4 p.m.

Nov. 22 — 9 a.m. to noon

Zion United Methodist Church, 438 Bear Creek Road, Sarver

Nov. 15 — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 16 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 18 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 20 — 10 a.m. to noon

Nov. 21 — 1 to 5 p.m.

Nov. 22 — 8 to 10 a.m.

Chicora Alliance Church, 310 E. Slippery Rock St., Chicora

Nov. 15 — 5 to 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — 3 to 5 p.m.

Nov. 17 — 10 a.m. to noon

Nov. 18 — 4 to 6 p.m.

Nov. 19 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nov. 20 — 9 to 11 a.m.

Nov. 21 — 4 to 6 p.m.

Nov. 22 — 9 to 11 a.m.

Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Ave., Mars

Nov. 15 — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 16 — 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 18 — 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 20 — Noon to 2 p.m.

Nov. 21 — 1 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 22 — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Friendship Presbyterian Church Community Center, 886 New Castle Road, Slippery Rock

Nov. 15 — 5 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 16 — 1 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 17 — 5 to 7 p.m.

Nov. 18 — 1 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 19 — 9 to 11 a.m.

Nov. 20 — 9 to 11 a.m.

Nov. 21 — 1 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 22 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.