Milligan University students gathered in Seeger Chapel on Nov. 12 for the last convocation of the fall semester, coming together to pack over 200 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. The event, part of a global charitable program organized by Samaritan’s Purse, delivers gift-filled shoeboxes during the holiday season to children in need around the world.
Students earned SFP credits for their participation—one credit for donating three items to the shoeboxes and another for helping with packing them. Nearly filling lower Seeger, over 300 participants gathered to hear Campus Minister Brealle Davis give instructions for the event and pray over the boxes before students began filling them.
The students were split into two groups to streamline the process. One group headed to the lowest level of Seeger, where they worked in a production line to pack shoe boxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and an informational pamphlet about Milligan. The other group stayed upstairs to write Christmas cards to include in the boxes.
Joshua Starr, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, helped organize the event and shared his hope to make it a Milligan tradition. “This is the third year we’ve hosted an Operation Christmas Child event and we want to continue demonstrating God’s love,” Starr said.
Freshman Anne-Claire Elliot, an exercise science major, emphasized the meaningful impact of the event. “Sharing the Christmas spirit and God’s love with children who aren’t as fortunate as us is so rewarding,” she said.
Sophomore nursing major Emma Harrison echoed the sentiment. “Being a part of a university where we have the opportunity to do this is really a fulfilling experience,” Harrison said.
While this was the final convocation for the semester, Milligan’s chapel services continue with Night Chapel: Christmas Edition, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. Students can earn two SFP credits for attending this service.
pictures by MU ministry
text by Alissa Smith