For the first time, Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child Project will have a Relay Center located in Polk County.

The Relay Center will be located at Bellview Baptist Church, 233 North Bellview Rd, Rockmart. The function of the Relay Center is to serve as a drop-off point for shoeboxes packed with small items to be sent to hurting children around the world. Individuals or groups are welcome to bring boxes during the week of November 16-23.

According to the organization’s website, Operation Christmas Child is a simple, hands-on mission project that gives churches of all denominations, businesses, school groups, scout groups, civic groups, and individuals a tangible way to demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas—God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“The Eastside Elementary School Beta Club has been busy collecting items, and the senior men and women at Bellview Baptist church have been bringing in shoeboxes,” said organizer Gina Brown. “Operation Christmas Child is truly a project for all ages.”

In addition to the many Polk county churches that have already begun to collect shoeboxes, several local businesses are participating.

Dr. Kirby Brown, DDS, has provided toothbrushes and the Slate Market Grill is offering a coupon for a free hamburger in return for gift-filled shoeboxes. Other businesses are participating by having their employees fill shoeboxes and by allowing Operation Christmas Child brochures to be placed in their place of operation.

For more information about Operation Christmas Child or for Relay Center hours of operation, please call 770-684-8054 or visit www.operationchristmaschild.org and enter zip code 30153.

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