Kathie Sills served as guest speaker for the Kiwanis Club of Vicksburg’s Sept. 10 meeting.

Sills explained to members how Operation Christmas Child began in 1993 in order to provide gifts to children in the Bosnia war zone. Since then, more than 220 million children have received a box. 

First Baptist Church Vicksburg serves as the collection point for the boxes in Warren County. The boxes will be collected during the third week of November, Sills said. A total of 35 local churches collect boxes, which will be loaded onto trailers for transport to one of eight processing centers in the U.S.

Sills said the program is preparing to ship five trailer loads this year. The boxes should be prepared for ages two to four, ages five to nine, or ages 10 to 14. The items packed should include hygiene items, school supplies, toys, T-shirts, hats, etc. 

A personal note can also be included, but Sills asked members to avoid liquids, gels and toys related to war or fighting.