Youngsters around the world will enjoy the surprises in these shoeboxes, packed with love in the San Luis Valley./Courier photos by Helen Smith

ALAMOSA — As the Season of Giving is fast approaching, there is still time to participate in Operation Christmas Child! As a project of Samaritan’s Purse International Ministries, Operation Christmas Child has been bringing Christmas joy to needy children across the world for the past 25 years.

The process is relatively simple. Those who want to participate can simply get a standard size shoebox, fill it with toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Items that are NOT allowed include candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items, war-related items, seeds, food, liquids, lotions medications or vitamins, breakable items or glass containers, and aerosol cans.

The next step is to pray for the child who will receive the gift, include a $9 donation, and finally, take the box to a designated drop-off location. For Alamosa, the location is Alamosa Christian Church located at 410 McQuerry St. Collections will continue through November 19th.

Remaining drop off times are:

Saturday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 18, 1-3 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 19, 8-10 a.m.

Once all boxes are collected from the drop- off locations, they are then taken to processing centers and shipped internationally and distributed.

The goal of Operation Christmas Child is to bring the hope and love of Jesus Christ to the children who receive these gifts.