Collections sought for Operation Christmas Child

A local church is again seeking donations to benefit children affected by natural disasters or wars throughout the world.

Operation Christmas Child, headed internationally by Samaritan’s Purse and organized locally by the Sidney Evangelical Free Church, sends shoeboxes with small gifts to children in need.

Cheryl MacKenzie, who is leading the Sidney-based efforts, said the program has been in operation since 1993. It helps to distribute shoe boxes to children in war torn counties or where there’s been devastation.

“Millions of shoeboxes have been packed and sent,” she said. “And they’re hoping...