Children around the world will be receiving Christmas gifts this year thanks to the generosity of residents in Great Falls and surrounding areas.

Over 800 shoe boxes were donated for Operation Christmas Child, the program that sends boxed goodies to needy children overseas during the holidays.

There are collection sites across the state, and the Great Falls drop-off point saw donations from Fort Benton, Browning, Cut Bank and Conrad among other cities.

Volunteer Ron Staley noted, "It shows that we have a lot of caring people in Great Falls and in the surrounding area that are interested in seeing to it that kids all over the world have Christmas."

The official drop off deadline was at 5:30 p.m. today, but Staley says the truck won't come to pick up the boxes until tomorrow, and he will continue to accept boxes until the very last possible moment.

The Great Falls drop-off spot is on the corner of 3rd Avenue South and 4th Street.

Click here to learn more about Operation Christmas Child.