A new Ironton collection site for Operation Christmas Child has been announced.

First Baptist Church, located at 304 S. Fifth St., will be the new collection site in the city for shoebox gifts for children overseas during Operation Christmas  Child’s National Collection Week, which takes place from Nov. 18-25.

“Operation Christmas Child is such a great way for people in the church, who may never be able to leave the country to be on the mission field to fulfill the Great Commission, to take the gospel to all people in all nations,” Eric Barnes, pastor of First Baptist, said. “Our church is in its 22nd year of participating in Operation Christmas Child and has packed over 10,000 boxes during this period. This year, we are excited to say that we have become a local drop-off center for our community in Ironton during collection week.”

The group said “in an effort to share God’s love with children who are facing difficult circumstances around the world.”

Linda Howard is excited to serve as drop-off team leader.

Howard and the team of volunteers will manage one of four Lawrence County Drop-off sites collecting simple shoebox gifts that will contribute to the 2019 global goal of reaching 11 million children in need.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call Southern Ohio Area Team Coordinator Sherrie Klingaman at 740-395-6468, or visit samaritanspurse.org/OCC.