Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse, that yearly effort to pack shoeboxes full of necessities for children in some of the world's most threatening situations, is a blessing for the recipients and donors alike.

Just ask Amie Winstead, Area Coordinator for the Operation Christmas Child Cumberland Pathway Team. She's been packing shoeboxes for nine years, and she says the effort "allows us to be foreign missionaries without leaving our hometowns."

"The shoebox is just a tangible item filled with all kinds of goodies that becomes a vessel for the gospel," she said. "They go all over the world in some of the hardest-to-reach places. The gospel is shared with children and their families who have never heard the name of Jesus. It's a way for us to send a little bit of love in a shoebox."

Along with individuals, families and community groups, nine Union County churches participate in Operation Christmas Child. The Cumberland Pathway Team, encompassing Claiborne, Union, Scott and Campbell counties, is looking to grow church participation with a special event set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the auditorium at Claiborne High School in Tazewell. There will be special speakers, plus free food from Chic-fil-a.

Yuliya Shubina from Central Asia is what Winstead calls "a full-circle speaker." At age 9, Shubina received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, and she will share the story of how receiving the shoebox and the gospel message changed her life for the better.

Next up, will be the Rev. Mark Brumbelow and his wife Cherry Brumbelow from Grace Baptist Church in Wild Peach, Texas. The duo will share the story of their congregation's Operation Christmas Child project, in which the church's 30 members packed 8,000 shoeboxes amidst the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. They'll give attendees tips and tricks to get a successful Operation Christmas Child project off the ground in their home churches, or to increase existing efforts.

"This is a pilot project for the Operation Christmas Child international headquarters," said Winstead. "Pastor Mark wanted to talk to those rural Baptist congregations, but this is for any denomination. And for those churches who are currently packing, we want to further equip them with the tools and resources necessary.

"We want people to know that it's not a huge undertaking to pack a shoebox. It's a very simple process that offers so much reward."

The goal for the Cumberland Pathway Team this year is 10,300 shoeboxes.

Winstead encouraged everyone to consider packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes this year. National Collection Week is November 12-19 this year, and Milan Baptist Church next door to Paulette Elementary School is the Union County collection point. Dates and times will be announced soon on the church doors and church website, www.milanbc.org.

For more information about Operation Christmas Child and tips on how to pack a shoebox, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/ooc, or contact Winstead at 865-742-9701.