FAIRLEA -- Volunteers came to the State Fairgrounds in Fairlea Tuesday, Nov. 17. They were on-hand to collect shoe boxes filled with gifts for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a program sponsored by Samaritans Purse. Volunteers say it’s a program that helped 8 million people last year.

Virginia Slayton was just one of several volunteers. She said it’s an important cause that is close to her heart.

“You can’t physically go and hug them, but you can send some love in a box,” said Slayton.

Volunteers have already brought in more than 1,000 shoe boxes in two days. They will continue taking donations Wednesday, Nov. 18 in the Blue Ribbon Center at the State Fairgrounds.