Hardin County churches seek Christmas gifts for needy children

Two local churches are participating in Operation Christmas Child, a charitable program organized by Samaritan’s Purse.
Cornerstone Baptist Church in Savannah, and First Baptist Church in Counce, are asking people to donate to children in need by filling a cardboard or plastic shoebox container with gifts, hygiene products and school supplies.
Gift givers will also need to pay to print a shipping label through the Samaritan’s Purse website. The labels assist the churches in mailing the boxes to children for the holidays.
It is suggested donors purchase one “wow” gift, such as a stuffed animal or other toy, and then fill the box with other smaller gifts.
Samaritan’s Purse also suggests inclusion of a photo of the gift giver and letter for the child receiving their box, offering them prayers and holiday wishes.
Established in 1970, Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian international relief organization.
Cornerstone Baptist, 150 Park St., Savannah, and First Baptist, 100 Old Hwy. 57, Counce, are collecting gift-filled boxes until Monday, Nov. 21.