A total of 1394 gift filled shoe boxes were collected during the week of Nov. 16-23 at Bellview Baptist Church, Polk County’s first Relay Center for Operation Christmas Child.

According to reports, Operation Christmas Child is a project of Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse. The program is a simple, hands-on mission project that allows churches of all denominations, businesses, school groups, scout groups, civic groups, and individuals a way to demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas—God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

During 2008, almost 8 million shoe boxes were sent to needy children in over 110 countries.