Cortez residents are taking advantage of back-to-school prices and have been collecting school supplies, personal-care items and toys to fill shoe boxes as part of the Operation Christmas Child program, according to a news release from Lizette Miller, media relations manager with Samaritan’s Purse.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will deliver these shoe boxes to more than 100 countries around the world to provide students with the supplies they need.

“For many children, access to these simple items is essential to an education,” the news release said.

A shoe box recipient in Southeast Asia was excited to receive pencils of his own after using pencils nearly too short to use. He was given a gift that “made a life-changing impact” and allowed him to receive an education, the release stated.

National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20 this year. Those participating can donate $10 to follow their box and see its final destination. Participants who prefer online shopping can also create virtual shoe boxes by ordering online from a list associated with an age and gender and adding them to the shoe box. They can also add a photo and words of encouragement.

Samaritan’s Purse is a “nondenominational evangelical Christian organization” aimed to provide aid to people in need around the world, according to their website.

To find more information about Operation Christmas Child, visit the Samaritan’s Purse website under the What We Do tab.