Some teenagers use their summers to catch up on some sleep or spend their days by the pool, but that's not the case for one Gainesville student.

16-year-old Jennifer Chapman leaves July 1 for Panama. Chapman is one of 18 teenagers making the eight-day trip as part of "Operation Christmas Child." The group will distribute shoe boxes full of school supplies, toiletries, and toys to local children.

Chapman said she's both excited and nervous for the trip, and was thankful for the support from her family and the church.

"They are just so excited for me, the fact that I have this opportunity, it just boosts my excitement," said Chapman.

Since 1993, "Operation Christmas Child" has hand-delivered more than 68 million shoe box gifts.