NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Operation Christmas Child has officially launched National Collection Week, running November 17–24, with nearly 5,000 drop-off locations open across the country, including many throughout Tennessee.
Volunteers are gathering gift-filled shoeboxes that will be delivered to children living in difficult circumstances around the world.
Since 1993, the project has collected more than 232 million shoebox gifts, partnering with churches globally to share practical items, toys and messages of hope. This year, the goal is to reach 12 million children.
Participants can pack a shoebox individually or as a group and use the “Follow Your Box” option to track where their gift goes.
A searchable tool helps families find the nearest drop-off location by city or ZIP code.

Kelsey Gibbs brings us a powerful story of humanity, compassion, and love in action while showing us the hard and lifesaving work our officers do daily. Nashville is lucky to have people like Lt. Hotz wearing the badge.
- Carrie Sharp