Operation Christmas Child organizers report that after the last day of collections, they’d gathered 4,131 shoeboxes full of items to send to needy children around the world.

Lauren Brewster, local organizer for the program funded through Samaritan’s Purse, said she was glad to have more families participating this year to help provide holiday gifts for children.

The shoeboxes were full of useful supplies that children around the world can use and enjoy, such as school supplies, toys, toiletry items and hard candy. But they don’t just go overseas. Some of those boxes from the initiative stay right here in the United States.

All of Rome’s boxes, though, according to Brewster, are being shipped to India for this holiday season.

She said the number of shoeboxes was up despite having less churches participating from the Summerville area after a relay station was set up in Chattooga County.

“We still exceeded our goal, so we’re impressed,” Brewster said.

Those still interested in sending off shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child can do so year-round by mailing them to: Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Brewster said some of the lessons she’s learned this year include publicizing the need for boxes earlier in the year so when the time to collect the boxes comes, it isn’t so stressful for those wishing to donate.

“I’d also suggest that people be on the lookout throughout the year for items on sale,” she said. “That way it’s easier to collect items for your shoebox or collecting shoeboxes itself.”

She added that “if you collect items throughout the year, you can end up collecting for more boxes than you initially intended.”

Brewster said the age groups for children, boys or girls, range from 2 to 4 years old, 5 to 9 years old or 10 to 14 years old. When giving a box, Brewster said to choose one age group and a boy or girl.