Local families joining global, year-round effort to help 8 million suffering children — while teaching lessons in generosity.

U.S. kids have no time to waste helping to bring joy to millions of needy boys and girls this holiday season. Sending hope to hurting children worldwide is a full-time, year-round effort that requires the contagious compassion of local Hillsboro families right now.

Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project, is calling on local kids, families, churches, businesses, schools, scout troops, and civic organizations to join this massive effort by sending shoebox gifts to children overseas who are suffering from disease, famine, war, terrorism, and natural disaster.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, a project of international Christian relief organization, Samaritan’s Purse, has collected and hand-delivered more than 61 million shoebox gifts to hurting kids in some 130 countries.

“This is a wonderful chance to teach children in this country about generosity and compassion, and bring hope and joy to hurting children in other countries,” said Susan Paine, relay center coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.

Although National Collection Week is Nov. 17-24, Operation Christmas Child is not limited to just one week a year or during the holiday season. It is a year-round project, requiring months of organization and preparation to reach millions of kids around the world. Volunteers and shoebox gifts are needed during all seasons to help spread Christmas cheer and the spirit of giving that lasts all year long.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 620-947-3497 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.