Hopewell Baptist Church is Operation Christmas Child drop-off site

BLACKSBURG - It's a heartbreaking reality.

Millions of boys and girls around th world live in difficult circumstances and are in desperate need of hope. Whether they are slum dwellers in Calcutta or orphans in Johannesburg, children long to know that they are loved.

Operation Christmas Child is one way you can make a difference in a young person's life.

Your family, church or group is invited to take part in this unique missions project. Fill a shoe box with such items as school supplies, toys (no war-related) hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap (no liquid soap or shampoo), wash cloth, hard candy (nothing that will melt) sunglasses, hat, socks, etc. Include a personal note about yourself and your family with your address so that the child may write back. Include $7 include the shoe box for shipping.

The drop-off site for Blacksburg and surrounding areas is Hopewell Baptist Church, 511 Old Chester Road. There will be someone at the church during the hours of 8 a.m.-8 p.m. beginning today and continuing through Monday, Nov. 19. Contact person is Don Hamrick, 704-516-1117 (c) or 864- 839-06996 (h). The church office number is 864-839- 6643.