The annual Operation Christmas Child charity is packing shoeboxes full of toys to be sent to children overseas as gifts.
Over the past few weeks, the Temple Baptist Church youth group has prepared many shoeboxes full of toys to give to the less fortunate across the world.
"We are giving gifts to children who haven't received gifts in their whole life," said organizer Carol Morgan. "This is such an amazing opportunity for our youth to learn how to give and to help spread joy to others."
Morgan explained that there is more to the program than just giving gifts but spreading a message.
"This has always been a passion of mine because we are not just giving gifts but spreading an important message." Morgan said. "We have the opportunity to spread the gospel and teach people about Jesus who have never hear of him."
The youth group, along with the church and Second Baptist Church, are preparing these boxes with the help of the community.
"Helping others is a big deal but this is even more important," Collin Glick, member of the Temple Baptist Youth Group said. "These gifts could change their lives because they are learning about Jesus, also."
Youth pastor Trent Stilwell of the Temple Baptist Church said the many positive things are happening, not just for those receiving but for the teens in the youth group.
"This is teaching our young people that Christmas isn't just about receiving but giving," Stilwell said. "Our youth is also learning that Christmas needs to focus on spreading who Jesus is and not the commercialized Christmas."
In the past, the community has given over 2,500 shoeboxes and the program is expanding in Poplar Bluff. There will be two drop-off locations, one at Temple Baptist Church and the other at Second Baptist Church.
All community members are welcome to fill shoeboxes with toys and bring them from Nov. 12-19 to Temple Baptist Church, 1813 Barron Rd., or Second Baptist Church, 503 W Pint St.