Past year the Wilmington area packed 34,092 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes filed with toys and candy.
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“More than 4.7 million children have participated in The Greatest Journey, the Samaritan’s Purse discipleship program that is offered to many children who receive Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts”, OCC said.
Wainscott, pastor at First Baptist on North Highland, said the organization has the ability to reach children all over the world, no matter what the status of their native country. This will be their first year to serve as a Drop-Off Site for area churches, clubs, and organizations. Spartanburg County families, churches and groups are joining others nationwide collecting gifts to put in colorfully wrapped shoeboxes for the effort.
It’s called the world’s largest Christmas project, and is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, founded by Reverend Franklin Graham.
“The charity will decide where the boxes will be distributed and arrange for them to be sent out”. Its list of suggested items includes not only small toys, but toothbrushes, soap and washcloths.
Haagen’s collection goal for the year is more than 14,000 boxes.
“We want salvation for these kids”, Jackson said.
People can donate boxes until she leaves Monday morning for Roswell by bringing them to the church today or over the weekend, or by calling Jensen at 937-0430 to arrange a drop. Volunteers will be at Southside Baptist Church from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. through Friday, from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m.to 3 p.m. Sunday to accept boxes.
According to Samaritan’s Purse, after receiving shoebox gifts, recipients are invited to enroll in a 12-step lesson program to “learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ”.
“Last year we filled 332 boxes and I’m hoping this year we can do a little bit more”, Beecher said.
Cornerstone expects to see a lot more before they’re done.
“You are not required to use the red and green Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes”, Williams said.
Volunteers will greet people, add labels and rubber bands to shoebox gifts, pack shipping cartons and load them into semi-trucks.
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“People come now and say, ‘What can I do?’ ” Swart said.
