Several dozen people attended Operation Christmas Child's World Cafe in Portage la Prairie last night.

OCC Logistics Coordinator Lucy Van Dongen says explains the purpose of the relaxed get together.

"This is the kick off event for Operation Christmas Child's Shoebox Season, and we are getting people up to speed on what we are doing for the season. We're encouraging people to start thinking about doing their shoeboxes, and to get all their school supplies and all their shopping done for the shoebox gifts."

Van Dongen says they wanted to let the public know how important it really is.

Van Dongen watching the short film

"It's a relatively insignificant thing to pack a shoebox with small toys, or school supplies and gifts. But the fact is, it goes to a child who receives it as the first possible gift they've ever received in their life. Things that we take for granted can be life changing for these little kids like towels or school supplies."

She explains how you can get involved.

"They can pick up shoeboxes at a lot of different places here in Portage. A lot of churches have them, they'll also be at Dollarama, Family Food, Sobeys, Co Op, Solomon's, the Library. They can make monetary donations, and they can also pack shoeboxes online. Really the sky is the limit, there are people that look out for deals all year round and fill multiple shoeboxes."

Van Dongen says school supplies, small toys or stuffed animals, and even towels or household items are great for shoeboxes. She adds they can't accept food, or any toys related to war. Find their website here.