NATCHEZ — Now is the time to start packing shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, clothes, flashlights — and don’t forget the batteries.

Monday begins national collection week for the Samaritan’s Purse program Operation Christmas Child, and organizers from three different local churches are ready to help the community make a difference for a child half a world away.

“This is the first gift many of these children have ever received,” said Beth Dudley, who attends Grace United Methodist Church. “Entire families are changed with just one shoebox.”

Parkway Baptist Church’s Diane Lazarus said for the children, the gift box is about more than just the toys and the help.

“Just like our kids playing on Christmas morning, once you have had some time with the toys, it becomes old hat,” she said. “With the little (biblical) books, you go through and learn about Jesus and his eternal life.

“Toys break, but eternal life is eternal.”

Lazarus said not only do the children overseas benefit, but so do the little ones who pack up shoeboxes.

“It’s a wonderful teaching moment for children,” she said. “While putting together a shoebox, you can take time to tell them about the story of Jesus.”

Beverly Laurant from First Assembly of God said as someone who received the Lord 41 years ago, she cannot imagine not hearing His word in her own language.

“That’s why I do it, the fact that it blesses these children,” she said. “I can’t go to every country, but I can pack a shoebox.”

Laurant said before Parkway Baptist Church opened up its doors for a drop off site, she used to travel to Jonesville to drop off her shoebox.

“One year, I made a prayer request because I wanted to work for this cause, but I knew I could not drive to Jonesville to participate,” she said. “By January, I received a phone call and learned Parkway would open a drop off. I knew my prayers were answered.”

Shoeboxes will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, through Nov. 21. Lazarus said a person could also go to www.samaritanspurse.org to learn more about the program and even pay for the company to ship a shoebox.

To make assemble a box, experts say to include a “Wow” item like a soccer ball with pump, stuffed animal or doll.

Also in the box can be smaller toys such as cars, yo-yos, jump ropes and balls.

School supplies, non-liquid hygiene items such as toothbrushes and accessories such as T-shirts, socks and hats.

Dudley said when you pack the box include a letter and a photo.

“The children will sometimes send a picture back and write a letter,” she said. “That way we know whose life we touch.”

For more information on Operation Christmas Child, call Parkway Baptist Church at 601-442-7434 or visit www.parkwaybaptistchurch.com.