Motorcyclists will hit the road next Saturday to support the Operation Christmas Child ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, which sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children living in poverty around the world at Christmastime.

“My dad started Shoebox Ride six years ago, because we love Operation Christmas Child,” said Amanda B. Smith, pastor of Corinth Friends Meeting. “He loves motorcycles, and I joke he was trying to look for a way to combine the two things that he loved.”

This year’s ride will be the sixth such event, and it has grown each year. Smith said last year’s ride provided enough money to fill and send 263 shoeboxes to countries around the world.

“That exceeded our goal,” she said. “We’re hoping for even better than last year. We’d like to see close to 300 boxes if we could.”

In addition to the money raised at the event, Smith said, church members have been buying school supplies and other items to fill the shoeboxes as well.

“They’re really helping us stretch our dollars,” she said.

The ride will be held Sept. 12 and will begin at Somerton Friends Meeting, 5239 Quaker Drive in Suffolk. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the ride departs at 10:30 a.m. after an informational session and prayer. In the meantime, riders are encouraged to visit the Operation Christmas Child booth to see an example of a filled shoebox and learn more about the ministry.

The ride is expected to return to Somerton Friends Meeting at noon. Lunch by Linwood’s BBQ and homemade desserts will be served at noon, and the drawing for door prizes will take place at 1 p.m.

Cornhole boards, a DJ and a handful of vendors will be on site. T-shirts are available for purchase for $10.

“We try to create a real welcoming atmosphere and support Operation Christmas Child all at the same time,” Smith said.

The cost for registration is $20 for male riders, $10 for female riders and $5 for passengers and includes lunch and one door prize entry.

For more information, call 618-1949 or www.shoeboxride.com.