Morgan County Churches Lead Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Drive

Samaritan's Purse launched its Operation Christmas Child collections in mid November, and area churches and organizations are serving as local drop off points through Monday, Nov. 24. Participating locations include First Christian Church at 2106 S. Main St. in Jacksonville, along with community churches in Ashland, White Hall and neighboring towns. Each location has posted drop off hours, and several sites will host special collection times on Nov. 24 to accommodate last minute donations.

The program collects gift filled shoeboxes for children around the world, and has become an annual volunteer effort in Morgan County. Organizers direct residents to the Samaritan's Purse website for a full list of drop off points and for packing guidelines, which outline acceptable items and packaging rules. Local churches have taken on the logistical role of receiving, sorting and preparing boxes for shipment, relying on volunteer labor and community donations to meet deadlines set by the national charity.

For Morgan County residents, the drive provides an accessible option to contribute to international relief efforts while engaging with neighborhood institutions. The concentration of drop off sites at churches reflects a common structure in seasonal charitable activity, where faith based organizations act as distribution and collection hubs. That structure can broaden participation by offering established physical locations and volunteer networks, but it also raises questions about how public and private entities coordinate during times of heightened community need.

From a policy perspective, seasonal campaigns like Operation Christmas Child intersect with local government priorities around social services and civic engagement. While the drive sends aid abroad, it mobilizes local volunteers and resources, creating a visible instance of community service. County officials and nonprofit leaders may view such drives as complementary to year round assistance programs, and they present potential opportunities for formal collaboration on volunteer recruitment, volunteer training and facilities use during peak seasons.

Institutional transparency and adherence to guidelines are essential for maintaining public trust in donation drives. Residents seeking to participate should consult the Samaritan's Purse website to confirm current drop off points and to follow packing instructions. That step helps ensure donations comply with shipping regulations and charitable standards, and it reduces the administrative burden on local volunteers who prepare boxes for shipment.

As the collection period closes on Monday, Nov. 24, Morgan County volunteers will undertake the final push to gather and process shoeboxes for shipment. The campaign is a reminder of the ongoing role that churches and community groups play in civic life, and it offers residents a tangible way to contribute to humanitarian aid while engaging in local volunteer work.