From Mirror staff reports

The collection season for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, is underway at several local drop-off locations.

Individuals, families and groups across Pennsylvania have the opportunity to pack a shoebox gift filled with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items for children in need and drop them off now during National Collection Week, Nov. 17-24.

This year, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough gift-filled shoeboxes through its global initiative to reach 12 million children. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

The following churches are serving as drop-off locations this week. Monday, Nov. 24, is the last day to drop off items.

— Hollidaysburg Grace Bible Church, 164 Laurel Lane, Hollidaysburg. Hours are: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18; 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 19; 6-8 p.m. Nov. 20; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21; 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 22; noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 23; and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 24.

— Williamsburg Grace Pointe Community Church, 815 Yellow Springs Drive, Williamsburg. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18-21; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22; 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 23; and 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 24.

— Tyrone Grace Baptist Church, 2308 Adams Ave., Tyrone. Hours are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov 18; 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19; 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 20; 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 21; 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 22; 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 23; and 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 24.

— Ebensburg Methodist Church, 100 E. Highland Ave., Ebensburg. Hours are: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18-19; 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 20; 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 21; 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 22; noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 23; and 8 to 11 a.m. Nov. 24.

— Martinsburg Grace Brethren, 300 S. Mulberry St., Martinsburg. Hours are: 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 18-23; and 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 24.

— Woodbury Healing Water’s Church of God, 4061 Woodbury Pike, Woodbury. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18-22; 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23; and 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 24.

— Fallentimber Hollentown Assembly of God, 749 Executive Drive, Fallentimber. Hours are: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18, 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19; 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20-21; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22; 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 23; and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 24.

— Huntingdon The Oasis of Love Church, 10991 Station Road, Huntingdon. Hours are: 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 18; 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 19; 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20-21; 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 22; 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 23; and 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 24.

For more information about Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.org and click on the link.