As we enter this time of year, our thoughts go toward giving to others, particularly those who are less fortunate.

There are many local churches, organizations and civic groups that do a lot of good things throughout the year, and especially during the holidays.

One way that you can help is to participate in Operation Christmas Child, a project of international relief agency Samaritan’s Purse.

Operation Christmas Child’s mission is to “bring joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes and the Good News of God’s love,” according to the organization’s Web site.

A relay station to collect shoeboxes is now set up at the Selma Baptist Association, 2193 Broad St., next door to One Way Book Store.

Church groups, school groups, families and individuals have participated in Operation Christmas Child for the last 12 years as part of National Collection Week, which began Monday and ends Nov. 20.

Collection times are from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday.

The relay center will open again on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to catch the work crowd, Singley said.

More than 7.6 million shoeboxes were collected worldwide last year. In addition to the shoebox gifts, children are given Gospel booklets in their own language.

For more information, call (334) 872-1640.