Local churches are collecting shoebox gifts for an international ministry.

The Christian ministry Operation Christmas Child, a subdivision of Samaritan’s Purse, is having its National Collection Week Nov. 14-21. Volunteers can bring shoeboxes filled with school supplies, personal hygienic items and toys that will be shipped to children overseas.

There are four locations in the county for collection: Campbell Chapel Church in Ironton, Union Baptist Church in Kitts Hill, Finley Chapel UMC in Proctorville and Tri-State Worship Center in South Point. The churches will then take the boxes to a center in Portsmouth where they will prepare the boxes for mailing.

More information, such as shoebox packing instructions and how to follow the box’s destination, is available at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. More information about getting involved in Lawrence County is available by calling Ginny Cook, area coordinator, at 740.354.1419.