Christmas Child effort totals 14,489

Communities of Southeast Missouri packed 14,489 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse that sends gifts to children living in difficult situations around the world. The boxes are filled with small items such as toys, school supplies and hygiene items. For those who missed the collection week or prefer online shopping, the Samaritan's Purse website, samaritanspurse.org/occ, allows people to provide a gift. Samaritan's Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. More information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 573-218-8690 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.