KILLEEN – In a heartwarming display of generosity, thousands of volunteers from the Killeen area have come together to support Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse. This initiative aims to bring joy and hope to children around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes.

Volunteers have packed these shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items, ensuring that children in over 100 countries, many of whom are affected by war, poverty, disease, and disaster, receive a message of love and joy this Christmas season. Each shoebox also provides an opportunity to share the Gospel and bring hope to children in need.

Although the local drop-off locations have closed for the season, there is still an opportunity to participate by packing a shoebox online. This allows contributors to select gifts tailored to a child’s specific age and gender, and to include a personal note of encouragement and a photo.

Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries and territories. This global project continues to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way, working alongside local churches worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

For more information on how to get involved, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.