Operation Christmas Child 2026: Drop Off Near Arbutus
4 November 2026
Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week runs November 16 to 23, 2026, and the closest drop off spot to Arbutus is Halethorpe Community Church at 1312 Francis Avenue. You can also drop shoeboxes at Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church or at the Baltimore Area Processing Center in Windsor Mill.
What is Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief organization. People fill shoeboxes with small gifts for children. According to the Samaritan's Purse drop off locator, National Collection Week takes place the third week in November, when more than 4,500 drop off locations open across the country.
Where can I drop off shoeboxes near Arbutus?
These three locations are closest to the 21227 ZIP code in the official locator:
| Location | Address | Hours to know |
|---|---|---|
| Halethorpe Community Church | 1312 Francis Avenue, Halethorpe, MD 21227 | See the full schedule below |
| Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church | 200 School Lane, Linthicum, MD 21090 | Open every day of the week, including Saturday, November 21, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Baltimore Area Processing Center | 7210 Ambassador Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244 | Most days 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Monday, November 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
Here is the full schedule for Halethorpe Community Church, as listed by Samaritan's Purse:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday, November 16 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
| Tuesday, November 17 | 5 to 7 p.m. |
| Wednesday, November 18 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
| Thursday, November 19 | 5 to 7 p.m. |
| Friday, November 20 | 5 to 7 p.m. |
| Saturday, November 21 | 3 to 5 p.m. |
| Sunday, November 22 | 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. |
| Monday, November 23 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
Hours can change, so check the locator before you head out.
How do I pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox?
The Samaritan's Purse packing guide keeps it simple:
- Start with an average size cardboard or plastic shoebox.
- Mark it for a boy or a girl, in the age group 2 to 4, 5 to 9, or 10 to 14.
- Add one medium or large "wow" item, like a soccer ball with a pump or a stuffed animal.
- Fill the rest with toys, school supplies and personal care items, and tuck in a personal note and a photo if you like.
- Samaritan's Purse suggests a 10 dollar donation per box to help cover shipping and other project costs. If you give online, you can use Follow Your Box to see where your shoebox goes.
Can I pack a shoebox online instead?
Yes. Samaritan's Purse offers Build a Shoebox Online, which it says takes less than five minutes. That is a nice option if your week is packed or you are giving from out of town. Samaritan's Purse also has a permanent ministry center in the Baltimore area where shoeboxes can be dropped off or mailed during the rest of the year.
Why does this matter for our community?
Packing shoeboxes is a sweet family tradition, and it is a great way for kids to learn about giving. One thing I loved in my 15 years in Arbutus is how neighbors look out for each other, and this season is full of ways to do that. If you want to help closer to home too, see my posts on the Maryland Food Bank Turkey Drive, Stuff the Trucks for BCPS students and Catonsville Emergency Assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Operation Christmas Child collection week in 2026?
National Collection Week is November 16 to 23, 2026. Drop off hours vary by location.
Where is the closest Operation Christmas Child drop off to Arbutus?
The closest listed location is Halethorpe Community Church at 1312 Francis Avenue in Halethorpe. Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church and the Baltimore Area Processing Center in Windsor Mill are also nearby.
What age groups can I pack a shoebox for?
You can pack for a boy or a girl in the age groups 2 to 4, 5 to 9, or 10 to 14. Mark the box with the age group and whether it is for a boy or a girl.
How much does it cost to send an Operation Christmas Child shoebox?
Samaritan's Purse suggests a 10 dollar donation per box. It helps cover shipping and other project costs.
Can I do Operation Christmas Child online?
Yes. Samaritan's Purse offers Build a Shoebox Online, which it says takes less than five minutes.
Disclaimer: Dates, drop off locations and hours come from the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child drop off locator and packing guide, checked on 4 November 2026. Hours can change, so please check the locator before you go.
Want to Live Where Neighbors Give Back?
Arbutus and Halethorpe are full of people who look out for each other, and I would love to help you find your place here. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
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