Operation Christmas Child is underway around the world. Locally, individuals are partnering with people across the country to provide Christmas gifts to children in need around the world.

The program, created by Samaritan’s Purse an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham, son of Evangelist Billy Graham, provides shoe boxes containing gifts to children in poverty. Last year more than 4.8 million shoe boxes were donated in the United States and nearly 8 million from around the world.

To read the full story, pick up today’s copy of the Washington Times-Herald. Or, call 254-0480, Ext. 131, Laura Theine, circulation director, to subscribe.