Big Idea has announced a partnership with Samaritan's Purse to increase awareness and assistance for needy children worldwide.

Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, the stars of Big Idea's popular VeggieTales brand, will appear as "official spokes-characters" for Operation Christmas Child (OCC), which has delivered shoe boxes in more than 130 countries to more than 100 million children suffering from poverty, disaster, disease and war since 1993.

This year VeggieTales and OCC are both "celebrating 20 years of helping children around the world," Big Idea officials said. Both plan to leverage their anniversary campaigns in order to exceed last year's total of delivering 9 million shoe boxes this Christmas.

"Our partnership coincides with the release of Merry Larry and The True Light of Christmas, which is VeggieTales first new Christmas DVD to premiere in two years," said Leslie Ferrell, president of Big Idea. "We could not think of a better way to exemplify the holiday spirit and reinforce our mission to families of growing great kids than by joining in the important efforts of Operation Christmas Child. Together, along with some surprise celebrity guests we'll be announcing along the way, we will remind thousands of kids everywhere that they are loved and not forgotten this Christmas."

Jeremy Bentley, assistant director of Operation Christmas Child USA, added: "VeggieTales and Operation Christmas Child are both committed to sharing the good news of God's love with children. Making a partnership on this release is a perfect fit."

In August, samaritanspurse.org/veggietales will provide details for volunteers to get involved, including Veggie-themed labels, donation drop-off locations and information on hundreds of events. VeggieTales has also created a short video featuring Bob and Larry teaching children how to properly pack an OCC shoe box.

Meanwhile, Parable Group, which has partnered with OCC for seven years, is expanding its involvement with the Samaritan's Purse ministry.

Starting in 2014, two individuals from stores served by Parable will aid in the delivery of OCC shoe boxes to children overseas.

"Parable Group is excited to work with our partner stores to support Operation Christmas Child," said Steve Potratz, CEO and founder of Parable Group. "Samaritan's Purse is sharing the gospel with children all around the world and we are thrilled to have stores see first-hand what all those efforts look like in the eyes of children receiving shoe boxes."

For more information on VeggieTales and Operation Christmas Child, visit www.VeggieTales.com and www.samaritanspurse.org.

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