Operation Christmas Child sends gifts to children in need across the world

(WJBK) - The season of giving is here and "Operation Christmas Child" is on a mission to spread joy and love to children around the world.

To you it may seem like a simple shoebox, but to a child in need it can be life-changing.

Collection week for Operation Christmas Child starts Monday. If you would like to send a shoebox, visit samaritanspurse.org

"Operation Christmas Child" is a project under Samaritan's Purse," said Suzie Aheimer. "Churches and families and community groups can pack a shoebox and fill it with personal hygiene items, small toys, school supplies, soccer balls, baby dolls, any item that a child may love to receive."

One former shoebox recepient shared her special memory she had as a child.

"Because we are not encouraged to play, because we never receive presents, something like a toy was something I could not even fathom owning," she said.. "As I received that shoebox gift, I looked at it, I looked at how beautiful it had been wrapped, I wanted to revel in that this was the first present I had ever received."

Shoeboxes are delivered by camel, boats, water buffaloes, by helicopters all across the world.