Many Poulsbo volunteers are working to make a difference in the lives of 8,000 needy kids by packing and collecting gift-filled shoe boxes through the world’s largest Christmas Project of its kind — Operation Christmas Child.

Even though the project’s National Collection Week (Nov. 12–19) has not yet begun, volunteers have been working through the year making and collecting items that will be packed into the shoe boxes. An estimated 8,000 gift boxes will be collected in Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, and a total of 9.1 million will be collected across the U.S. during collection week.

Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula residents can get involved by packing a shoe box at our annual Community Shoe Box Packing Party. This event will take place Saturday, Nov. 3, from 1-4 p.m. at the Poulsbo Library, 700 NE Lincoln Road, in the downstairs community room.

Their goal for this year’s Community Shoe Box Packing Party is 500 filled boxes.

This event is free, everyone is invited and donations are greatly appreciated. Gift suggestions: school supplies, small toys, hygiene supplies, candies (no chocolates), etc. Items can be for girls or boys ages 2-14. Drop off donations the day of the Packing Party and pack a Shoe Box.

The area coordinator, Tamara Henry, has been serving with Operation Christmas Child for many years. She has first-hand knowledge of the impact of these gifts. Tamara has traveled to Peru, having the privilege to personally hand out Gift-Filled Shoe Boxes to many needy children.

For more information, find Operation Christmas Child: Peninsulas Area Team on Facebook, go to samaritanspurse.org, or email Henry at tamarahenryocc@gmail.com.