Photo provided to the Times Observer Kathy Schriefer, NW Pennsylvania Operation Christmas Child Team Area Coordinator, presented an award to Wendy Carrington, Central Drop Off Team Leader, on Sunday. Pleasant Community Church has collected and transported more than 100,000 gift-filled shoeboxes over the last 20 years.

Pleasant Community Church has been recognized for 20 years of service as a central drop off location for Operation Christmas Child.

And this year’s effort kicks off this week.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of the non-profit Samaritan’s Purse, delivers millions of gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world impacted by war, natural disasters, disease, famine and poverty in more than 100 countries.

In the last 20 years, more than 100,000 shoeboxes have gone through Pleasant Community Church.

Kathy Schriefer, NW Pennsylvania team area coordinator, presented an award to Wendy Carrington, central drop off team leader at Pleasant Community Church earlier this week.

“Operation Christmas Child is excited to formally honor Pleasant Community Church for their dedication and 20 years of service,” Schriefer said.

“Reaching millions of children each year with the good news and great joy of God’s love would not be possible without these wonderful ministry partners.”

Hundreds of boxes are collected at the church from throughout the area and collected by volunteers at Pleasant Community Church.

Year 21 kicked off this week as the church is collecting shoe boxes from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Collection will continue Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and then from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the church located at 673 Pleasant Drive, Warren.

“This is a mission project that everyone can be a part of,” Pam Niedhammer said. “Simply pack shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Complete information can be found at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.

“God uses these simple gifts to make an eternal impact.”