The South Central VA area is gearing up for Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week Nov. 14-21.

OCC is a project of the international relief organization Samaritan's Purse which distributes shoe box gifts to children in more than 100 countries. Individuals, churches, groups, civic clubs, and corporations partner with OCC to fill shoe boxes with small gifts- school supplies, hygiene items, small toys, hard candy, etc. – for children suffering from war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster.

Last year South Central Virginians donated over 6,000 shoe box gifts. The 2011 goal is 9,000 gifts.

The Farmville Collection Center, located at Farmville United Methodist Church, 212 High St., will again receive shoe box gifts Nov. 14-21 during the following hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wednesday – 3-6 p.m.; Sunday – noon-3 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 21 – 9-11 a.m.

Other South Central VA collection sites: Rocks Baptist Church, Pamplin, (434) 352-0489; Bethlehem Baptist, Dillwyn (434) 983-2493; Ash Camp Baptist, Keysville, (434) 736-9344; Crenshaw United Methodist, Blackstone, (434) 294-3002; First Baptist, Chase City, (434) 372-3785; Buffalo Baptist, Buffalo Junction (434) 374-2361; LaCrosse Baptist, LaCrosse, (252) 586-5126.

With just two weeks until collection, it's time to shop for shoe box items. For additional info on how call (434) 392-4686 ext. 21, pick up a brochure at FUMC, or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.