Naomi Wood, Abilene Area Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child, will be guest speaker for the September meeting of the Abilene Association of Congregations. 

The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held Sept. 18 at Wylie Methodist Church, 3430 Antilley Road. The meeting begins with lunch at 11:45 a.m. A $3 donation is requested for lunch. The program, which is free, begins at noon. 

Wood, a member of Wylie Methodist Church, will talk about Operation Christmas Child, which is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. The program sends gifts and discipleship materials to children all over the world. 

Wood will talk about how congregations can get involved. Churches, classes, other groups, and individuals can pack plastic or cardboard shoeboxes with appropriate gifts and clothing items. National Collection Week is Nov. 18-25. Various churches in town serve as collection points. Click here for boxes, packing instructions, and suggested gifts by ages. Boxes may also be filled online.