Local volunteers are celebrating the successful collection of shoeboxes filled with gifts which will bring joy to children around the world.Excelsior Springs residents, along with thousands of volunteers, have joined Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and personal care items. This global Christmas initiative aims to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 100 countries, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Each shoebox represents an opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and bring hope to children in need.Although drop-off locations have closed for the season, there is still time to share hope and love with children overseas by packing a gift-filled shoebox online. Online shoeboxes are sent to some of the hardest-to-reach areas in the world. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can visit samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to selec...