Some local people and churches are sending Christmas overseas to bless kids in the spirit of the Good Samaritan through Operation Christmas Child.

The annual event allows people to pack shoe boxes full of gifts for children, which are delivered to kids in need around the world.

Northcrest Baptist Church is the collection point in this part of the state. Boxes may be brought to the church in Meridian at North Hills Street and 35th Avenue. The boxes will be taken to distribution centers, and then transported to location around the globe.

"Something exciting this year, when they fill out their paperwork, they'll have a chance to be scanned, and when they get to where they're going, they will get a note back on where the shoe boxes actually went," said Jeri Lynn Hatcher.

The program is an outreach for the Christian relief group, Samaritan's Purse, founded by the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of evangelist, Dr. Bill Graham.