LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Every year, millions of shoe boxes are delivered to kids in need across the world. The collection for Operation Christmas Child is coming to a close and volunteers need the community's help to reach as many people as it can.
Samaritan's Purse began Operation Christmas Child in 1993. Since then, the organization has collected and delivered more than 135 million shoe boxes for children in more than 150 countries and territories, according to the program's website.
Volunteers said the first step is deciding whether you want to donate to a boy or girl, and download a tag off the Operation Christmas Child website or visit local locations, including Hobby Lobby and LifeWay. After deciding which age group you want to buy for, it's time to stuff the box. Participants can use any shoe box or container.
Volunteers recommend including school supplies, non-liquid hygiene products, clothing accessories, such as socks, and a 'wow' item such as a toy.
"It doesn't have to be big, giant, glamorous things. These are kids in third-world countries, war-torn countries, so the very basics. For instance, school supplies are the most important thing. Without school supplies, kids can't go to school," said Lisa Steen, community relations coordinator of Operation Christmas Child.
"Soap and a washcloth is definitely one of the favorite things. There are stories that we've seen from kids that have received shoe boxes where they've literally shared a towel with 20 other kids or a bar of soap," said Steen.
The deadline to drop off a shoe box is Monday, November 21.
To find your nearest drop off location and for more information, click here.Â
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