For more than 10 years, local residents have participated in Operation Christmas Child, a global project that shares the true meaning of Christmas with millions of boys and girls around the world.

In 2018, 1,365 shoebox gifts were collected here, contributing to the 2018 international total of more than 10.6 million gifts for children in need around the world.

In preparation for the next event, volunteers can attend an interactive workshop April 27 at First Baptist Church, 10215 N. Saguaro Blvd., to share ideas on getting individuals to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and inspire others to get involved in the project.

Participants will learn about the impact these shoebox gifts have on children around the world. There will be six breakout sessions. There will be prizes, fellowship, free resources to get volunteers started and snacks.

To participate, call 303-745-9179 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.

The mission is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the good news of Jesus Christ.