Volunteers in the new NCLA Area are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoebox gifts
during National Collection Week, Nov. 17 – 24. NCLA serves 6 rural parishes in the north-central La
area including Webster, Lincoln, Union, Bienville, Jackson, and Claiborne parishes. In NCLA, drop-offs will be open at First Baptist Church in Minden, Caney Lake Baptist Church in Chatham, and at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston. Participants can find the location and hours of operation of their nearest drop-off locations at this link: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/.

Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including
many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster, for many years. OCC hopes to reach
many children in 2025 with the hope of Jesus. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritans Purse,
seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together
with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation
Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in
more than 170 countries and territories.

“Children need hope, and they need to know that they are not alone and God loves them,” said
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.

NCLA hope everyone will join in packing shoeboxes to make a difference. Questions can be directed to
Brenda Teal, NCLA Area Coordinator, at 318-663-7508 or brendateal16@gmail.com.