CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — Boxes are stacked up at Salem Bible Fellowship Church in Mahoning Township, ready to be sent to children overseas.
The shoeboxes are part of the Samaritan's Purse Project called Operation Christmas Child.
Elizabeth Harris is the drop-off coordinator for the church. She says the church has been participating in Operation Christmas Child for 15 years.
This marks the start of another collection week, and so far, more than 350 shoeboxes have been filled to send to children thousands of miles away.
"They got this from a stranger. To them, that is amazing. The first gift really opens their hearts because it shows that people love them, think about them, and did this just for them," said Elizabeth Harris, drop-off coordinator.
Last year, the community showed up with a record number of shoeboxes for the church.
"We collected from the community more than 1,000 boxes. Yeah that was amazing, I hope we do that again this year," said Harris.
Harris says people can fill a box for a boy or girl ages 2 to 14 years old, but certain items are extra special, "School supplies, In many places that is a very coveted item school supplies, and stuffed animals, kids like having stuffed animals.. they call that the "wow" item," she said.
Gift boxes can be dropped off at Salem Bible Fellowship Church through Monday, November 25th.
For details on how to participate, click here.