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Charlotte families to pack shoe boxes with toys for children overseas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte families are expressing their gratitude by giving back as Thanksgiving approaches. Residents are filling shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items to send to children in need around the world. For many of these children, it will be the first gift they have ever received.

[PAST COVERAGE: Charlotte volunteers prepare 2.6 million gifts for children overseas]

Volunteers will collect shoebox gifts at drop-off locations serving Charlotte's participants during Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week Nov. 12-19.

The Samaritan's Purse project, partnering with churches worldwide, will deliver the gifts to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. The Charlotte Metro volunteers hope to collect more than 155,630 gifts during the week.

"We believe these simple gifts have the ability to send a tangible message of hope to children facing difficult circumstances," said regional director Lindsay Tunnell Wooten in a news release. "It is exciting to see the Charlotte community come together to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with millions of boys and girls around the world."

In 2018, Samaritan's Purse hopes to collect enough Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to reach 11 million children.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 704-583-1463, or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Participants can donate $9 per shoebox gift online through "Follow Your Box" and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child's specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

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