How to pack a shoebox

November 14, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

Find a shoebox.

Decide whether to pack a box for a boy or girl and pick an age category: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.

Fill the box with gifts. Gift suggestions include a medium-to-large item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, other fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies.

Do not pack candy, toothpaste, used or damaged items, war-related items, food, liquids, medications or vitamins and breakable items like snow globes.

Drop off the box at a drop-off site. A $9 donation for shipping costs is suggested. Donate $9 online and receive a tracking label to follow the box.

Drop-Off Locations

Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2432 S.Raccoon Road, Austintown: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Wednesday; 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m. to noon Monday.

Calvary Baptist Church, 1463 Shields Road, Boardman: Noon to 6 p.m. today through Monday.

Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Boardman-Poland Road Poland: 4 to 6 p.m. today; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday; 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.

First Baptist Church, 7 E. Kline St. Girard: Noon to 5 p.m. today to Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; and noon to 5 p.m. Monday.

Grace Fellowship Church, 2150 Niles Cortland Road SE, Warren: 6 to 8 p.m. today; 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 2 to 4 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday; 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday; and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday.

Miscellaneous: For information on packing the box, drop-off locations and to purchase the tracking label, go to: www.samaritanspurse.org

Source: Operation Christmas Child