Collection week for Operation Christmas Child wrapped up this week, and Thompson shipped out 398 shoe boxes.

The boxes filled with hygiene items, school supplies, and toys, will be making their way to children living in countries like Uruguay, Chile, and Haiti.

Local organizer Laura Carter says although she’s never travelled to deliver the boxes, she has heard of stories from those who have:

"They were very excited, very grateful. They carried them home on their heads. Often they come to events and they don’t know that they’re getting a gift, so it’s quite a surprise for them".

Carter says the 398 boxes collected this year, is more than she’s seen collected in previous years.