CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Millions of smiling faces halfway around the world this season and thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteers right here in Charlotte.

An estimated 2 million shoeboxes are being packed in Charlotte to send to children around the world.

It's part of Samaritan Purses' Operation Christmas Child. The effort to gift children basic necessities, starts months before.

"For Operation Christmas Child, the backbone of our ministry is our volunteers,” Carolinas regional director Lindsay Wooten says.

You can volunteer online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/