MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. — What if one simple shoebox could bring a child joy, offer hope to a family, and open the door to hearing the greatest story ever told?

This November, residents of Maynardville and the surrounding Union County community have an opportunity to make that kind of difference through Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

As National Collection Week approaches, local families, churches, businesses, Sunday school classes, civic groups, and individuals are encouraged to join this worldwide outreach by packing a shoebox filled with carefully chosen gifts and praying for the child who will receive it.

A shoebox may seem like a small gift, but its message is much bigger: You are loved, you are not forgotten, and God has not forgotten you.

More Than a Gift — A Message of the Gospel

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered more than 244 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 175 countries and territories. Each box is filled with age-appropriate items such as toys, school supplies, and personal care items. More importantly, the gifts provide an opportunity for local ministry partners around the world to share the love of Jesus Christ with children and their families.

Each shoebox is a tangible expression of kindness, but the mission reaches far beyond the items inside. Through the project, children can learn about God's love and the hope found in Jesus. In many locations, children also have the opportunity to participate in The Greatest Journey, a discipleship program offered through local churches that helps them grow in their faith.

For those who pack shoeboxes, the experience is an opportunity to turn ordinary shopping and thoughtful preparation into an act of ministry. A doll, a stuffed animal, a soccer ball, crayons, notebooks, or a toothbrush can become part of a gift that reminds a child across the world that someone cared enough to prepare something just for them.

Community members are encouraged to begin packing now, pray for the children who will receive the gifts, and invite others to participate. Families can pack together, churches can organize packing parties, and friends can work together to fill multiple boxes.

National Collection Week: Where to Drop Off Shoeboxes, Milan Baptist Church in Maynardville will serve as a local drop-off location during National Collection Week, November 16–23, 2026. Residents are invited to bring their completed shoebox gifts to the church during the following hours:

Milan Baptist Church 1101 Maynardville Highway Maynardville, TN 37807

• Monday, November 16: 5–7 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 17: 5–7 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 18: 5–7 p.m.
• Thursday, November 19: 5–7 p.m.
• Friday, November 20: 5–7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 21: Noon–2 p.m.
• Sunday, November 22: 4–6 p.m.
• Monday, November 23: 2–4 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to have their shoeboxes ready and bring them during one of these designated collection times.
When packing a box, choose a child by age category and gender, then fill the box with a variety of fun, practical gifts. Suggested items include small toys, school supplies, stuffed animals, balls, and other suitable gifts. A personal note or photograph can make the gift even more meaningful. Please consult the official packing guidelines for a complete list of acceptable and prohibited items.
A suggested donation of $10 per shoebox helps cover processing, shipping, and other project costs. Donors can also use the Follow Your Box program to track their shoebox's destination when eligible tracking options are used.

Can't Pack a Box in Person? You Can Still Make a Difference!

Busy schedules, limited transportation, or difficulty shopping do not have to prevent anyone from participating. Operation Christmas Child offers Build a Shoebox Online, a convenient way to send a gift to a child without assembling a physical box.
By visiting samaritanspurse.org/buildonline, participants can select gifts appropriate for a child's age and gender, personalize the virtual shoebox with a photo and message of encouragement, and complete the process online. Samaritan's Purse then prepares and sends the gift on the donor's behalf.

This option allows individuals, families, and groups to take part from home, making it possible for even more people to share in the mission.

For additional information about Operation Christmas Child, including packing instructions, gift suggestions, tracking options, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to participate, visit samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child.

A Community United by a Greater Purpose

As the Christmas season draws near, Maynardville has an opportunity to demonstrate generosity in a way that reaches far beyond our own community. Each shoebox represents time, thoughtfulness, prayer, and a willingness to serve someone we may never meet this side of heaven.

Imagine children opening their gifts, discovering the surprises tucked inside, and hearing that Jesus loves them. Imagine the encouragement a family might experience when a local church reaches out to share that message. These are the possibilities behind every box packed and every gift given.

The invitation is simple: Pack a shoebox. Pray for a child. Invite someone to join you. And help carry the Gospel to the nations.
Whether you pack one box or many, gather with a group, or build a shoebox online, your participation can help make a lasting difference.

This November, let our community come together to send more than presents. Let us send hope, demonstrate God's love, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ — one shoebox at a time.

For more information, reach out to Amie Winstead, Project Leader at Milan Baptist Church – text or call 865-742-9701 or email at awinstead.occ@aol.com.