Union County residents want children in need around the world to receive a gift this Christmas season and to experience the love and hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
“Anyone can be a part of making an eternal impact on the lives of children this holiday season simply by packing a shoebox gift filled with school supplies, toys, hygiene items like a toothbrush and a “WOW” item like a stuffed animal or soccer ball,” says Amie Winstead, Area Coordinator. The local area team of year-round volunteers are prepared and willing to equip you as an individual, your church, your community or student group or even your place of business to pack shoebox gifts this year.
The Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child, uses these simple shoebox gifts to make a difference in the lives of children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. The annual project takes empty shoeboxes and turns them into gifts—filled with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items—that will be delivered to children in need around the world. Shoebox gifts become tangible evidence of God’s love. Each child who receives a shoebox gift is presented with Good News and Great Joy of Jesus Christ.
After receiving a shoebox gift, each child has the opportunity to participate in The Greatest Journey, a 12-week discipleship program where they learn how to pray, how to memorize scripture and how to share their faith with others. As a result of children who hunger for the gospel, villages have been transformed and churches have been planted. These simple shoeboxes are changing eternity!
Milan Baptist Church in Maynardville serves as the county’s drop-off site and will open its doors November 14 through 21 to collect shoeboxes from local churches, community groups, student groups and individuals during National Collection Week. These shoeboxes will contribute to the Operation Christmas Child goal of collecting enough shoebox gifts to reach 11 million children worldwide this year.
To find a drop-off location near you and its hours of operation, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, to learn of year-round volunteer opportunities or to view gift suggestions, call or text Amie Winstead at (865)742-9701 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. Will you consider packing a shoebox this holiday season?