SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) - A law enforcement agency in Bossier Parish has delivered empty barrels to Bossier Parish Schools, and there's a good reason why. The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office distributed the barrels across the Bossier Parish School System's campuses. Students will begin filling the barrels with canned goods and other non-perishable foods. The barrels will then be taken to Operation Blessing, the parish's food bank program. The schools will collect food over the next few weeks. The food will then be assembled in "Spirit of Christmas" food boxes, which will be given to needy residents in Bossier Parish this Christmas. Brookshire's Grocery has provided the "Spirit of Christmas" boxes. Image of food drive donation barrels being placed by deputies with the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office. (Source: BPSO) Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington said the support of the school board, the schools, students, faculty, and parents is amazing every year. “The food they gather and donate will be used to make Christmas food boxes that our deputies and Posse members will deliver to our residents in need - everyone should be able to enjoy a good meal during Christmas,” said Whittington. Reality TV show connects adopted Louisiana woman to her biological family Operation Blessing began in 1998 and relies on contributions, not public funds. The program also provides food to dozens of families weekly throughout the year. Sheriff Whittington said it thrills his heart to know that folks carry out the principle, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” If you do not know a child in the Bossier Parish school system, you can donate food items to a worthy cause by dropping off canned foods or non-perishables at the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office substations on Viking Drive or Arthur Ray Teague.