ORRINGTON, Maine (WABI) – This week is National Collection Week for Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child.

Since 1993 they have been collecting and delivering shoe box gifts to children in countries around the world.

Thousands of individuals, church members and schools across Maine help each year.

“It is the greatest joy to know that you are helping a child to be filled with joy and love and receive things that we take for granted,” said Lynn Hilyard, Area Coordinator for Maine Central. “We have pens and clothes, but they don’t have these things.”

Hilyard has been collecting and packing gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need for more than a decade.

Each box is full of personal care, school supplies and fun toys.

“They love footballs. It’s a favorite item, especially for boys, and dolls for girls,” she said.

The boxes are packed and distributed to millions of children in more than 170 countries and territories.

“They go to areas where there is war, poverty, natural disasters and orphanages. They go to churches. They go to many different areas,” Hilyard explained.

Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach over 12 million children this year.

For many of the children, this will be their first gift ever.

This mission would not be possible if it were not for tens of thousands of volunteers from local churches, schools and other organizations.

“We’re all very passionate about it because we know the most important thing we can do is give a child love, hope, joy, but most of all, Jesus as their Lord and Savior,” Hilyard said.

You have until Monday, November 25th to pack a shoebox and drop it off at East Orrington Congregational Church or other delivery location in Maine.

You can too Build a shoe box on-line.

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