BLACKSBURG – It’s a heartbreaking reality. Millions of boys and girls around the world live in difficult circumstances and are in desperate need of hope. Whether they are slum dwellers in Calcutta or orphans in Johannesburg, children long to know that they are loved.

Operation Christmas Child is one way you can make a difference in a young person’s life. Since 1983, this Samaritan’s Purse project has shared the Good News of God’s love with hurting children through the simplest gifts – shoe boxes.

If you would like to take part, fill a shoebox with such items as school supplies, toys (no war related), hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap (no liquid soap or shampoo), washcloth, 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 shoebox for shipping or if you prefer you may register your gift on-line and receive notification of where it went. (Instructions are found at www.samaritanspurse. org/occ.)

The Relay Center for Blacksburg and surrounding areas is First Baptist Church, 103 S. Rutherford St. There will be someone at the church from 8 a.m –1 p.m. and 4–7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, through Monday, Nov. 22.

The contact person is Don Hamrick, 1-704-516-1117 (c) or 864-839-6996 (h). The church office number is 864-839-2421.