SYCAMORE – For the fourth year in a row, First Baptist Church in Sycamore will aim to collect more than 1,000 shoeboxes filled with toys and basic necessities to send to children in poverty around the world.

The church is one of five relay centers for Operation Christmas Child’s Rockford collection site, which expects to receive 10,000 gift boxes that will be delivered by relay centers collecting donations from business, churches, community organizations and residents all of next week.

Operation Christmas Child is operated by Samaritan’s Purse. The year-round project of international Christian relief and evangelism provides toys, school supplies and hygiene items for needy children overseas.