Operation Christmas Child is gearing up for another year in Portage la Prairie. The organization's holding their kick-off tonight at First Baptist Church, with a World Cafe beginning at seven o'clock. Each year the group distributes shoe boxes, which are filled with gifts and supplies, then returned back to the organization to be distributed to impoverished or war-torn countries. Spokesperson Clarise Klassen says it's going to be an exciting time, where they'll be able to share stories highlighting the impact the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes can have on a child's life.

"People will get to hear stories of the impact items in a shoe box have had on children in all of these different countries. People can hear that and think 'Oh, maybe I should be putting that in my box'. It's something you can share with people around you in your sphere of influence, whether it's a school, church, or another community group."

She says this is the second time they've held the World Cafe to kick off their season, last year hosting a pot luck. Klassen says they're taking a more laid back approach this time around, offering coffee, tea, and a few dainties. She's looking forward to the kick-off, and hopes to see good support for the launch tonight, and the campaign.

"It's open to everyone. We have specifically our volunteers invited, but really it's open to anyone who's curious about what the red and green shoe boxes are all about, or how they can get involved or get a few boxes tonight for themselves. They can get their process started."

The shoe boxes will be filled over the next several weeks, and can be dropped off at the OCC drop-off site at the Portage Mall the week of November 14th. Klassen says those drop off days are always exciting, as volunteers get to see how families have come together to help out those in other countries.

Last year's campaign saw about 2,200 shoe boxes collected and distributed to ten different countries.