Youth from Rejoice Lutheran Church’s confirmation and faith formation groups spent Wednesday evening packing 70 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, a program sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian-based organization whose goal is to share the gospel and help people in need around the world.

Shoeboxes are filled with toys, hygiene items and school supplies and shipped to children around the world. Many of these children have had to overcome the effects of poverty, disease, famine or war, and the shoeboxes bring joy and hope to those who receive them.

Rejoice is a local designated drop-off point; the last day to drop off donated items or filled shoeboxes is Nov. 25 from 8 to 10 a.m. This week drop-off hours are: Mon. 6 to 8 p.m., Tues. 4 to 6 p.m., Wed. and Thurs. 5 to 7 p.m., Fri. 4 to 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 12 to 2 p.m.

Rejoice Lutheran Church is located at 1155 Co. Road 75 in Clearwater.

For more information on Operation Christmas Child visit samaritanspurse.org.