REEDSVILLE - The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke10:30-37 gives a clear picture of God's desire for Christians to help those in desperate need.
After describing how the Samaritan rescued the hurting man whom others had passed by, Jesus told his followers, "Go and do likewise."
Local churches and individuals have that chance this Christmas through Operation Christmas Child. They just need to fill a shoe box with items like a stuffed animal, doll, pencils, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, tablets, coloring books, mild soap, tooth brush, socks, T-shirts, yo-yo, slinky, cars, finger puppet, etch-a-sketch, hairbrush, comb, washcloth, water bottle, stickers, etc.
The Operation Christmas Child shoe box program reaches out to children with a message of love and hope found only in Jesus Christ.
A new Relay Center for the ministry will open this year at Kish Valley Grace Brethren Church, 99 Taylor Drive, Reedsville.
The drop-off week this year is scheduled for Nov. 16 to 23. The church will then take them to another designated collection site in State College.
Previously, churches had to take their boxes to State College, McAlisterville or McClure to be collected for Operation Christmas Child, said organizer Cathy Peachey. Churches, schools, individuals are all encouraged to take part in this blessing, she said.
Drop-off hours for the week of Nov.16 through Nov. 23 are 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at Kish Valley.
For more information, call Peachey at 667-3011 or 667-2500 or e-mail cvpeachey@yahoo.com.
Other area drop-off centers are:
Samuel's Church - 480 Samuel's Church Road, McClure. Hours: 10 a.m. to noon and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Good News Lutheran Brethren Church - Across from East Juniata High School, state Route 35, McAlisterville. Hours: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; 9 to 11 a.m. Monday.
