New Life Christian Church in Watertown has assembled more than 400 boxes so far for Operation Christmas Child. Anyone can fill up a shoe box or boxes with gifts that will be sent to children across the world.

Shoe boxes can be filled with anything from sanitary items to Christmas presents like toys and games.

Last year, Samaritan Purse International Relief distributed 8 million of the boxes to children in more than 100 nations. For many of the children who receive a shoe box, this may be the first present they have ever received.

"We would take our children to the store and we would each fill a box. There were four kids and then my husband and I. All six of us would do a box," said Julie Hoppel. "And it was just again a good example for them to be able to give to someone else who has very little."

"We receive joy from the people because they're giving joy. They're giving a part of their heart as they give these boxes," said Nancy Mattingly.

The last day for shoe box collections is next Monday.