With Christmas one month away some kids are thinking about what to ask for, but a group of Rochester children has learned a lesson in giving.

“We though it would be nice to give it to the kids who didn’t have as many gifts as others,” said Abby McCarthy, a Junior Friend of the Plumb Library.

On Saturday, volunteers gathered at the First Congregational Church to load gifts donated to underprivileged children as part of Operation Christmas Child.

For about 15 years, church members have collected donations for the charity. It’s part of a nationwide effort by the Samaritan Purse Charity to help kids who might not otherwise receive Christmas presents.

This year, the Junior Friends of the Plumb Library volunteered to pack and wrap the donations, which went to children 2 to 14 years old in the United States and abroad.

At a “packing party” held in October, the Junior Friends, local Scouts and church members filled shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, toothbrushes, clean clothes and anything else a child might need.

“Some kids have iPods on their wish list and some are happy to get something we take for granted, like soap,” said Lisa Fuller, the children’s service librarian. Fuller also helps lead the Junior Friends, which is open to kids 10 to 16 years old.

The simple items left an impression on the group.

“It was kind of surprising to see soap and toothbrushes as gifts. It makes you realize how much you have,” said Amanda Wheeler.

Sue Katner said the church comes together every year to pack and ship the boxes. Katner, a volunteer and member of the church, said the Junior Friends were a welcome addition.

“You could see these kids wanting to help others. They did really think about it and put a lot of thought into putting together the boxes,” she said. “For those children who’ve never gotten a gift before this will be a memorable event.”

The church collected about 400 shoeboxes this year, she said. Donations from around the country were shipped to a processing plant in North Carolina last weekend, including Rochester’s delivery. Once there, the boxes are inspected and then shipped out.

“Anybody can use toothbrush, a T-shirt or toys,” Katner said. “You can really give a lot in a shoebox and we do.”