Oct 13, 2013 1 min read

Volunteers will kick off Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, at 7 p.m. Thursday at Church of the Covenant in Washington.

Alex Nsengimana, who received a shoebox gift as a boy while living through the Rwandan genocide, will share his story to show the impact a simple gift can have on the life of a child in need.

Washington volunteers hope to fill 20,000 shoeboxes that area residents will pack for needy children overseas. Red and green shoeboxes from Operation Christmas Child will be available for those who attend while supplies last.

Volunteers can drop off shoeboxes packed with toys, school supplies and hygiene items at eight area locations Nov. 18-25. The boxes will then be processed, prepared and delivered to needy children overseas

For more information about the event or how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call area coordinator Christine Hainer at 412-217-7645 or visit samaritanspurse.org.