Time's running out to support a campaign that helps make sure children in developing countries have a gift under the tree come Christmas.

The shoeboxes are slowly starting to pile up for Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child's collection for shoeboxes filled with gifts is underway at the Portage Mall. It's the final week of the drive, and coordinator Clarise Klassen says they've received about 500 shoeboxes so far. The shoeboxes are shipped to developing countries and given to kids for Christmas.

"We still far away from our total goal," Klassen says. "But it is exciting ... it's raining outside, it's not snowing yet. People aren't thinking about Christmas, but we really are encouraging people to not forget about the shoeboxes."

Klassen says they're hoping to collect 2,600 shoeboxes this year -- an increase of about 200 over last year's total.

"We love this time of year, we love to see the shoeboxes coming," Klassen says. "We love when people drop off their boxes and say they're excited with what they've put in."

"Christmas is always fun," she continues. "And to give Christmas to a child who may never have received a gift is something special."

Drop-offs can be made at the Portage Mall everyday until Sunday. For more information click here.