Next week is collection week for contributions to Operation Christmas Child, and volunteers at Batesville First Baptist Church are preparing to receive hundreds of shoeboxes filled with small toys and gifts for underprivileged children around the world.

The local church is serving as a regional drop-off point for the project November 16-22. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. On Sunday shoeboxes may be dropped off from 1-4 p.m.

For information about packing shoeboxes, see the Website samaritanspurse.org, sponsor of the project.