Operation Christmas Child collection week runs through Nov. 21

Showing a child someone cares requires thinking inside the box this holiday season.

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child, a project of international service organization Samaritan's Purse, is scheduled for Nov. 14-21 at six Las Vegas Valley locations.

The international gift initiative, pegged the largest Christmas project in the world, plans to deliver 8.5 million shoeboxes to needy kids in 100 countries this year.

On a local scope, a goal to collect 18,000 shoeboxes, about 3,500 more than in 2010, has been set. The boxes are to contain small toys, hard candy, hygiene items and school supplies.

"It's simple, easy and a great hands-on family project," area coordinator for Southern Nevada Paulette Fittshur said. "It's just amazing -- the things we take for granted can put laughter and joy back into a child's heart."

The project started in 1993 with 28,000 shoeboxes collected globally. The project has placed about 86 million shoeboxes in kids' hands since then.

The organization works with leadership officials within the countries to pinpoint communities with the most need.

Fittshur traveled to Honduras last February to distribute about 200 boxes from this region. Most shoeboxes cost less than $9 to assemble but yield priceless results, she said.

"They were just excited to get a shoebox and they didn't even know what was inside yet," she said. "The volume would start out as a dull roar and it would escalate. There were so many screams and giggles and wheezes."

She helped the youngsters figure out their new toys and watched them rejoice over a toothbrush, she said.

"To be able to make that impact for $9 is pretty amazing," she said.

This year's "American Idol" winner, Scott McCreery, filled Operation Christmas Child boxes as a kid and is slated to serve as organization spokesman this season.

The project resonates with all ages.

Ten-year-old Henderson resident Alex Winiarczyk assembled his first two Operation Christmas Child Boxes four years ago. This year, he wants to send 50.

"It makes me feel good inside to give to kids that don't have anything," he said. "It gives them something they can use mostly the whole year."

In lieu of birthday presents last year, Alex asked his friends and family to donate items for the project. His mother, Tracy Winiarczyk, said his giving spirit started when he was about 3 and tried to hand away his toys.

"That's his nature. He's always been a generous giver," she said.

"I say draw the line at his little brother and my wedding ring," she said of the lengths he has cleared to go with his giving.

The family collects items all year to put in the shoeboxes.

"She does the buying, I do the packing," Alex said.

The boxes often have to be fastened with a rubber band, Winiarczyk said, because they want to send so much.

"It's just a huge blessing for us to give," she said.

Alex said he hopes to keep raising his shoebox goal and one day travel on a distribution trip.

"I like to think about them playing and how happy they are," he said.

The organization requests no liquid products and a voluntary $7 donation to cover shipping.

For more information, call 566-8996, email lasvegasocc@aol.com or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.