Charlotte volunteers prepare 2.6 million gifts for children overseas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Tuesday, thousands of Charlotte residents took part in a community-wide effort to give hope to millions of children around the world who are suffering from war, disease, poverty and disasters.

More than 30,000 volunteers expected to participate in Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, which hopes to collect enough gifts in Charlotte to reach 2.6 million children.

Volunteers prepared colorfully wrapped shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene products and toys for children around the world, including young victims of recent hurricanes in the Caribbean.

Samaritan’s Purse representatives said the gifts will be delivered with the message, “You are loved and not forgotten!”

Event organizers said the initiative is the largest Christmas project of its kind, and that the project hopes to help 12 million children in total this year.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, call 704-583-1463 or visit the Samaritan's Purse website.

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