Edwardsburg National Honor Society members have starting collecting donations for this year’s “Operation Christmas.”

The annual service project pairs NHS members with less fortunate kindergarteners and first graders in the community.

The members use the funds raised to spend a day with the youngsters buying Christmas gifts at a Michiana store for family members.

The also have lunch with the younger students at an area Chuck E. Cheese.

Additionally, NHS members will provide a gift certificate at a local Meijer store for families to use to prepare holiday dinners.

“Its is for the kids in the community,” National Honor Society President Ben Robertson said. “All the money we collect will go right back into the community.”

The NHS spends about $200 per family for “Operation Christmas.” Among the items purchased are body soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, winter hats, gloves, Q-tips, socks and a family board game.

The goal this year is to support 50 families.

“We have a huge need in our own community,” Edwardsburg Village President Jacque Tighe, who also works at R&A Sharpening in Edwardsburg, said. “I feel very strongly about it. I hate to see a child go without Christmas.”

The members spent Nov. 12 going to various businesses in Michiana collecting donations.

There is still time to help out. Interested businesses or individuals may mail a check no later than Nov. 24 to the Edwardsburg National Honor Society c/o Jeff Kozinski, NHS advisor, to 69410 Section St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112.

For more information, call Kozinski at (574) 3330-1310 or 663-3055.