Operation Christmas Child is collecting items this week to send to nine-million children affected by extreme poverty, war, or natural disasters in 100 countries.

The global effort includes drop-off points in Ontario, Shelby, Ashland, and Galion.  

Collection Site Coordinator Dawn Morton says they're looking for toys, school supplies, and personal hygiene items that can fit into shoe boxes.

Operation Christmas Child started in 1993 as a project of Samaritan Purse, an organization formed by Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham.

Drop-off points and days and hours of operation are:

Ontario Free United Methodist Church, 2200 Bedford Boulevard; Tuesday 11/12 9 am-12 pm; Wednesday 11/13 4 pm-7 pm; Thursday 11/14, Friday 11/15, and Saturday 11/16 9 am-12 pm; Sunday 11/18 12 pm-4 pm; Monday 11/19 9 am-2 pm.

Home Hardware, 140 Center St., Ashland; Tuesday 11/13, Wednesday 11/14, and Thursday 11/15 10 am-2 pm, Friday 11/16 10 am-2 pm and 5 pm-8 pm; Saturday 11/17 10 am-2 pm; Sunday 11/18 1 pm-3 pm; Monday 11/19 10 am-12 pm.

Park Street Brethren Church, 619 Park Street, Ashland; Monday 11/12 through Thursday 11/15 9 am-4 pm; Friday 11/16 9 am-12 pm; Saturday 11/17 and Sunday 11/18 9 am-11 am; Monday 11/19 9 am-10 am.

Galion Free Methodist Church, 683 Portland Way North; Tuesday 11/13 through Monday 11/19 9 am-12 pm.

First United Methodist Church, 18 S. Gamble St., Shelby; Monday 11/12 through Friday 11/16 5 pm-7 pm; Saturday 11/17 9 am-1 pm; Sunday 11/18 1 pm-5 pm; Monday 11/19 8 am-9 am.