Tis the season for giving, and Mankato residents are staying true to that mantra by taking part in what is being called the world's largest Christmas project.Operation Christmas Child is underway through local churches like Hilltop United Methodist Church.Mankato residents are packing shoeboxes with school supplies and health care items to send to the needy in more than 100 countries suffering from natural disasters, war, and famine.Organizers say although monetary donations are wonderful, this project gives the donor a very tangible connection...Jan Marble says, "It's a personal item, you're packing a shoe box that's for one person...and we hear stories from those that deliver them and they say the boxes end up being a perfect match with each person and what was in that shoebox."Donations have poured in this week, and are expected to top three thousand again this year.Monday from eleven to one will be the last chance to drop off donations.