Sequim Gazette staff

Eastern Hills Community Church in Carlsborg partners soon with one of the largest Christmas efforts in the world.

From Nov. 16-23, locals can drop off shoeboxes packed with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement as part of Operation Christmas Child at the church at 81 Savannah Lane.

The Sequim effort joins Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization, that has delivered more than 124 million shoeboxes to more than 150 countries since 1993. Local organizers hope to collect 1,400 shoe box gifts.

Collection times are as follows: 4-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16; 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17; 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 18-21: 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22; and 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 23.

Donors also can learn more information and/or track their packages at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. Call the church at 681-4367 with more questions.