Howard-Suamico teller Roberta Strazishar, Katie, and assistant branch manager Emmeline Knight-Guzman with the shoeboxes.

The team at Howard-Suamico has been participating in Operation Christmas Child, this month. Organized by nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse, the project ships shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items to kids in need all over the world. Branch employees donated items to fill boxes and helped put the boxes together, and the branch is a pickup and drop-off site for the shoeboxes.

“We were inspired by one of our customers, who has participated in Operation Christmas Child for many years. It’s a tradition she’s passed down to her children and grandchildren,” AVP area manager Katie Longsine said. “Each year, she fills 50 shoeboxes with items such as sandals, books, toothbrushes, and dolls. For her, it’s not only been a way to give back, but also to teach her children and grandchildren the importance of being generous and supporting others — they look forward to spending time together filling shoeboxes.”