A shoebox full of toys, socks and pencils might not seem like much of a Christmas present to the average American child.

But in poverty-stricken areas across the globe, it could bring joy to a small heart.

For that reason, Calhoun’s Trinity Baptist Church will be the collection site for the toy filled shoeboxes—known as Operation Christmas Child— in this local area.

Operation Christmas Child, headed by Franklin Graham, is an international and evangelical organization operating under Samaritan’s Purse that brings Christmas shoebox gifts to needy children in countries around the world.

On Saturday, Trinity will host a community-wide kickoff event in the church’s fellowship hall from 2 to 4 p.m. for volunteers interested in helping children overseas.

“This will be an exciting event where Calhoun families learn about packing shoe boxes and getting involved with Operation Christmas Child before the busy Christmas season begins,” said organizer Anita Russell of Trinity.

Volunteers will receive pamphlets on what toys and goodies to buy for the shoebox, as well as listen to volunteers share stories about the outreach program.

“It’s more than just a box, but a way to show someone that you care about them,” Russell said.

Last year, several churches and businesses participated, and approximately 10,500 shoeboxes were gathered in Gordon County. This year, organizers are hoping to send more than 12,500 shoeboxes overseas.

Russell said children can help by writing a letter or note to the child receiving the shoebox.

“The kids enjoy being pen pals,” Russell said, “and kids love letters from other kids.”

The church will accept gifts for Operation Christmas Child from Nov. 15 through Monday, Nov. 22, organizers said.

Once the boxes are collected they will be brought to the Atlanta area, where they will be checked and forwarded to needy children between the ages of 4 and 14 around the world.

The shoeboxes are typically filed with toys, books, pencils, clothing, toothpaste and toothbrushes, hairbrushes, barrettes, candy, gum, socks and shirts.

Trinity has been a collection site sponsor for more than five years and the church is located at 1170 Rome Road S.W.

Trinity Baptist Church can be reached at 706-625-5683. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org to learn more about the shoeboxes and organization.