Students on campus helped children in need on Nov. 24 by packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child. The event offered one SFP credit, and Maggie Cook led a worship service.
The event was organized and hosted by Kaity Phillips and Amber Mitchell, both juniors. They said that coming up with the idea to put on this event was a joint effort, and they both thought it would be a good opportunity to get the community involved.
Operation Christmas Child, in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, is an organization that ships shoeboxes filled with common items to third world countries that a child may need. According to Phillips and Mitchell, “They tell them about Christ as well, so not only are they getting a gift, they’re learning about Jesus.”
They spoke with Brad Wallace and everything was set. “We came up with the idea about a month ago,” said Mitchell. A few years ago, a similar event took place.
100 boxes were set out on the stage in SUB 7 waiting to be packed by the students who came in. “Our realistic goal is to pack 50 boxes, but we hope to pack all 100,” said Phillips.
Students were asked to bring in items to pack into the boxes, but the items were also provided if students were unable to supply them. Students also had the opportunity to write letters to slip into the boxes.
The students had the opportunity to track their packages via the official website for Operation Christmas Child.
“I hope the students gather from this how important it is to see the little things to help people in need,” said Mitchell. “Part of this being an SFP event was for the service,” said Mitchell. Photo 1: SUB 7 with students and boxes Photo 2: Students writing letters for the boxes.