Next week, more than 4,500 locations will open across the country to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for needy children around the world. Local volunteers will staff 10 drop-off locations in the six-parish area (Cameron, Calcasieu, Beauregard, Allen, Jeff Davis, Vernon) for area residents.

Beginning on Nov. 14 through Nov. 21, the following drop-off locations will be accepting filled OCC shoeboxes and donations:

Life United Church on East College Street in Lake Charles

First Baptist Jennings on Carey Avenue in Jennings

The Grand Church on First Avenue in Kinder

Trinity Baptist Church on North Beglis Parkway in Sulphur

First Baptist Gillis on Topsy Road in Gillis

First Baptist DeQuincy on South Pine Street in DeQuincy

First Baptist Longville on Longville Road in Longville

Unity Baptist Church on U.S. 171 in DeRidder

East Leesville Baptist Church on Alexandria Highway in Leesville

Pitkin First Baptist on La. 463 in Pitkin.

Now is the time for individuals, families, and groups to transform empty shoeboxes into gifts filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys. Many children around the world cannot attend school without supplies and have never received a gift. Through Operation Christmas Child, millions of children will receive a tangible expression of God’s love this year in the form of a shoebox gift provided by individuals in Southwest Louisiana and around the globe.

Just use any standard-size shoe box, label it for a boy or girl with an approximate age (from 2-14), fill it with an age-appropriate gift(s) and school supplies and hygiene items. No liquids or perishables. A donation of $10 will cover shipping and project costs. You can bring boxes or donations by any drop-off site