Escalon Covenant Church will once again serve as the ‘hub’ for this year’s Operation Christmas Child effort in the community.

The effort will kick off on Saturday, Nov. 14 followed by a dedication day on Sunday as part of the church services. Through the operation, local residents can fill small shoeboxes with gift items for youngsters that might not otherwise have a bright holiday. Information regarding where the boxes will go this year and the different items being sought for the various age groups can be obtained at the church, which is the regional Relay Center for the collection of the shoeboxes.

Overseeing the effort this year is Pamela Elsholz and she said the church will be open a variety of hours during the collection week, Nov. 16 through 23, to help accommodate all schedules.

Official kickoff for this year’s effort will be Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. at the church on Escalon Avenue. Relay Center Hours during the National Collection Week will be: Monday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to noon; Tuesday, Nov. 17, noon to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to noon; Sunday, Nov. 23, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about how to get involved, contact Elsholz at 209-743-0739.