For 16 years, The First Congregational Church in Stuart has helped pack shoes boxes for the Franklin Graham Organization’s-Operation Christmas Child.  The program focuses on churches, organizations, and individuals donating a shoe box full of gifts for children that are in need.  And even though the church collected nearly 1,000 boxes last year, they are looking to break that amount this holiday season.

People are encouraged to donate a variety of items.  School supplies like pens, pencils, and calculators, gender neutral items like stuffed animals, yo-yos, and etch-a-sketches.  Hygiene items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and washcloths and miscellaneous items such as t-shirts, socks, and sunglasses.

The church is collecting people’s shoe box gifts this week from 5-7pm through Friday.  Or you can drop them off between 9am and noon Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on how or what to donate, call Diane Schafer at 866-742-5018.