Romanian native Livia Young will share her story about how receiving one gift-filled shoebox during the holidays when she was a child, as part of Operation Christmas Child, changed her life.

Local residents have been a part of the Samaritan’s Purse project which helps millions of children in need through gift-filled shoeboxes.

Young who received a shoebox gift when she was a young girl in Romania, is visiting Saturday, Oct. 15, to share how this gift, just like those packed here, ​changed her life.

Volunteers in these areas hope to collect more than 18,000 shoeboxes this year packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items to contribute toward the global goal of reaching 11 million children.

A schedule of Young’s local visits include:

• 11 a.m., Boonville United Methodist Church, 105 Ann St.

• 6 p.m., Resurrection Life Church, 628 Floyd Ave., Rome