Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, November 18-25.

Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children since 1993. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2024 with the hope of Jesus.

The Fairfax Baptist Church is a collection point for Northwest Missouri churches and organizations (and for any churches or organizations in surrounding areas). The church is located at 604 Angell Street, Fairfax.

They also have cardboard OCC boxes, packing instruction sheets and other information available for anyone interested.

The schedule at Fairfax will be as follows: Monday, November 18, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday, November 19, 9:00 a.m. to noon; Wednesday, November 20, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, November 21, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; Friday, November 22, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 23, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Sunday, November 24, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. (collection and packing day); and Monday, November 25, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. If these times do not work for you, call for an appointment time or they may be able to pick up boxes at your location.

For more information, contact Deb Johnson, team leader and Area Drop-Off Coordinator, at 660-253-0143 or Olmrsj@gmail.com.