BLACKSBURG - Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samitarian's Purse, is one way to make a difference in a young person's life.

If you would like to participate, fill a shoe box with such items as school supplies, toys (no war related), hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap (no liquid soap or shampoo), washcloths, hard candy (nothing that will melt), sunglasses, hat, socks, etc. Include a personal note about yourself and your family with your address so that the child may write back. Include $7 inside the shoe box for shopping.

The relay center for Blacksburg and surrounding areas is Hopewell Baptist Church, 511 Old Chester Road. There will be someone at the church from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 24.