With the aim to help their global community, Niles Little Caesars Pizza will offer customers a free pepperoni pizza if they contribute a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.

Collection runs Nov. 8 to Nov. 11 at the Niles store, located at 1244 S 11th St. The yearly project to collect the boxes filled with toys and necessities is conducted by Samaritan’s Purse, which in turn distributes the gifts to thousands of children around the world who are in need.

Kylee Walters, the Niles Little Caesars Pizza manager, said customers can earn free pizza for the good deed.

“It is an incentive and an appreciation [for those who participate],” Walters said.

The Niles store has participated in the Operation Christmas Child collection for the past couple of years, joining more than a dozen stores across Michigan and Indiana in collecting the shoe boxes

Walters said the owner of several local stores, Dan Hancock, came up with the idea several years ago and the stores have been participating ever since.

Walters said it’s great working for a store that values more than their product.

“I love it,” Walters said. “My company is the best company to work for.”

Last year, Walters said the Niles store was able to collect about 30 shoeboxes to support Operation Christmas Child.

Laci Helterbrand, who has worked for the company for 17 years and served as the supervisor of the Niles Little Caesars since January, said it was nice to have the opportunity to lend a hand.

“Everybody needs help,” Walters said. “[It is nice] just to help others and give back to others who do not have as much as you have and to give them something that maybe they don’t have.”

Customers can pick up a shoebox and a pamphlet detailing suggested items for the shoe box at the Niles Little Caesars. Some examples include personal hygiene items, stuffed animals or sports balls and clothing.

Boxes can be dropped off between regular business hours which are: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Those who want to participate but miss the Little Caesars collection dates can drop off shoebox gifts at one of the many collection centers listed at samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child. Boxes will be collected between Nov. 13 and Nov. 20.