Drop-off points in the Salisbury area will be among 5,000 across the country collecting shoebox gifts for children overseas during Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week, Nov. 12-19.

Salisbury families, churches and groups are transforming empty shoeboxes into gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene supplies. The Samaritan’s Purse project partners with local churches across the globe to help children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.

For many of these children, it will be the first gift they have ever received.

This year, Salisbury area residents hope to collect more than 31,000 gifts to contribute to the 2018 global goal of reaching 11 million children.

“We are honored to be linking arms with our community to help children around the world experience the true meaning of Christmas,” said regional director Lindsey Tunnell Wooten. “These simple gifts show God’s love to children facing difficult circumstances.”

Drop-off points include:

• Life Church, 710 Jake Alexander Blvd. W.