CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — Crayons, a toothbrush and a stuffed animal- just a few of the things inside the first box Salem Bible Fellowship Church near Lehighton has packed up for a child overseas.
These shoe boxes are a part of the Samaritan’s Purse project, called Operation Christmas Child.
"So many kids have never experienced a gift at all before and what better way to show Christ love at Christmas than show people love by giving them a gift.” said Elizabeth Harris.
Elizabeth Harris is the drop off coordinator for the church. She has taken part since she was 18 years old.
Now in her 30s, she continues the mission, asking people in the community to fill a shoebox.
”Imagine how loved people feel when they get something. A child that never got anything before gets a gift from a stranger it's the perfect doorway to show that they're loved and cared about by Christ.” said Harris.
Boxes are filled with toys, school supplies, and some hygiene products.
Harris says you can fill one for a boy or girl aged 2-14 years old.
Once filled, the boxes are delivered to children all over the world.
Some will receive boxes by Christmas, while others receive them later.
”Pretty much from the time you pack it to the time to gets to a child in another country it's all volunteers. It's a very amazing, amazing thing. “said Harris.
With the community's help, the Church hopes to fill one thousand boxes this year.
Shoebox collection week for Salem Bible Fellowship church starts November 13th and goes to the November 20th.