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Operation Christmas Child to pack shoeboxes for millions of children around the world

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Starting Monday, you can drop off donations for “Operation Christmas Child," a program from Samaritan’s Purse that provides gifts to millions of children.

This year will be unlike any other, but the concept is still the same.

>> Click here to learn more about Operation Christmas Child.

You will pick a child then buy gifts for that child that can fit into a shoe box such as toys, school supplies and hygiene products. Hygiene products are included every year, but are especially important now during the pandemic.

“Especially third world countries, countries where their governments weren’t able to assist or they just don’t have the infrastructure to care for the people who have COVID or that have other illnesses and their hospitals aren’t able to care for them,” said. “We know a lot of children and their families are grasping for anything to give them hope.”

Watch the video above as Eyewitness News anchor Blaine Tolison explains how they have shifted collections this year to make sure volunteers are safe amid the pandemic.