Operation Christmas Child has been an event planned through an organization called Samaritan’s Purse and has provided millions of children worldwide with Christmas gifts, many of them from the Erie area.

Operation Christmas Child allows volunteers to pack what is called a “shoebox gift.” According to the Samaritan’s Purse website, small trinkets such as toys, school supplies, small articles of clothing, winter hats or scarves or personal hygiene products are suggested to pack into the box.

Volunteer choose whether they make a box for a girl or boy, and drop it off at a participating location.

National Collection Week for the pre-made shoe boxes is taking place Monday, Nov. 18 and will continue through next Monday, Nov. 25.

Multiple groups around campus will be volunteering with the First Presbyterian Church.

Operation Christmas Child and other services around the city are important aspects of being Mercyhurst students, Ambassadors of Service, now and every day of the year.