Operation Christmas Child collects shoe boxes of toys and treats for children in need around the world, and people in eastern Kentucky are lending a hand.

Donations keep coming in for Operation Christmas Child.

"We're a little worried about the economy, but so far we've already had a great turn out. We've already had 22 boxes turned in this morning from area schools," says Kritstin Napier, a Drop Off Coordinator.

Boxes are collected at donations sites across the state.

"You can put hats, mittens, the children love to receive school items, such as pencils and paper, crayons, you can put socks," says Lema Barnett, an Operation Christmas Child volunteer.

"We always say if you want to hit the main three things, put the three c's... something colorful, something cuddly, and candy," says Lee Adams, the Area Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.

Volunteers say there some items to leave OUT of the boxes, like liquids, chocolate, and war related items.

After all of the boxes from eastern Kentucky are collected in Whitesburg, they will be taken to the distribution center in North Carolina, then transferred to the hands of children that need them most around the world.

Organizers says the project helps get children involved with volunteering.

"You can take a little bit of money and do a lot for another child," says Barnett.

"It's a great volunteer community service project, it's cost efficient, it's easy and it something students can not only do at school, but they can get involved with in their families and their churches, and it's a real community activity," says Napier.

Every drop off site also collects items for boxes and monetary donations.

ITEMS TO INCLUDE:
Toys - small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos,
harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A
Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with
extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers,
stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper,
solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic
bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

Other items: hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all
candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps;
sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches,
flashlights (with extra batteries)

A personal note: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note
to the child and a photo of yourself or your family.
(If you include your name and address, the child
may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such
as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or
food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins;
breakable items such as snow globes or glass
containers; aerosol cans

www.whitesburgfbc.org
www.samaritanspurse.org