Operation Christmas Child makes it possible for underprivileged children around the world to enjoy the holiday season, with just a simple shoebox. However, the shoebox is just the vessel; what's inside the shoebox is what really counts.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan's Purse, which is an international nondenominational Christian relief organization. Founded in 1970, Samaritan's Purse offers assistance to victims of famine, war, poverty, natural disasters and disease.

Operation Christmas Child delivers the shoeboxes, with gifts and supplies inside of them, to the children at Christmas time.

For the seventh year, Harvest Baptist Church is making itself available as the drop-off location for Operation Christmas Child. Harvest Baptist Church is located at 544 Fuller Road (take the first left after Fifth Consolidated School on Millsfield Highway). Shoeboxes can be dropped off at the church's fellowship building starting Monday, Nov. 17. The drop-off hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22 from 8 until noon.

Amazingly, since 1993, Samaritan's Purse has delivered 61 million shoeboxes to children in over 135 countries around the world. And for most, it will be the first present they ever receive.

Mona Ozment attends Mount Vernon Baptist Church and is very active in collecting boxes at her church. "We have several in our church who love this ministry as well," said Ozment. "One lady, Joyce Welch, came to me and told me she had wrapped several boxes and that just blew my soul. She has really been a big help to the ladies at Mt. Vernon. Our ladies group always collects items and wraps and packs boxes together. It's a sweet time of fellowship. I also enjoy packing the boxes with our youth group. They really enjoy it as well. Kids love to help kids."

"If every person in Dyer County gave one box, just think of how many kids could get a box and maybe come to Jesus and be saved," said Stephen Ozment, Mona Ozment's son.

"It's not all about the gift, it's the message that goes with the gift," said Lynda Pope, co-coordinator. "The box is just a ministry tool to get the good news of Jesus Christ to a hurting world. The most important thing associated with OCC is the power it has to bring salvation to so many boys and girls and their families. Statistics show that one out of every three that receives a box is saved. That's good news!"

"People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas -- Jesus Christ," said Mona Ozment.

You may be asking yourself, "what can I send in the box?"

First, you must decide whom you would like to prepare a box for. It can be for a boy or girl, and the age groups are 2 to 4 years old, 5 to 9 years old and 10 to 14 years old.

Suggested items to send:

TOYS -- small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES -- pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink-pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS -- toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER -- Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes, glass containers or aerosol cans.

To add a personal touch to your box, people are encouraged to enclose a letter and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child who receives your box may write back. Also, you can decorate and gift-wrap the box. However, if you decide to gift-wrap it you must wrap the top separately.

"We always put a personal letter along with a picture in each box our family packs," said Jean Ozment.

If you don't have a shoebox you can do one of two things. You can buy a similarly sized plastic storage container with a removable lid. This is encouraged by Samaritan's Purse because it can be reused by the child and their family, for things like carrying water. The other alternative is to bring the items to Harvest Baptist Church, which will have boxes on hand to place the items in.

Also, with each box, be sure to include one anchor toy for the child.

A special sendoff ceremony will be held at Harvest Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Saturday, at which time the shoeboxes will be delivered free of charge by Volunteer Express. From Dyersburg they will travel to the Memphis collection center. Afterward, they will make their way to the Samaritan's Purse processing centers in Boone, N.C. and Atlanta. And from there they will be distributed worldwide.

To help with costs, Samaritan's Purse asks that a $7 or more donation be added to each box.

This holiday season, ask yourself how much would it cost to make a difference in a child's life, and remember all it takes is one shoebox.

Deadline for boxes at Harvest Baptist Church is Saturday, Nov. 22 at noon. Pickups are available for boxes. Call Lynda Pope at 593-6043 or Mona Ozment at 676-3985 for more information or to schedule a pickup. Also visit www.samaritanspurse.org/ for more information about Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child.