This year's Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive in Union County wasn't just an opportunity to support foreign missions. It was also a chance for local churches and community organizations to come together and work towards a common goal.

A project of Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child asks donors to pack shoeboxes with much-needed sundries like hygiene items, school supplies and toys. The shoeboxes are given to children around the world, often in the most dire situations imaginable. And with each shoebox is delivered another gift: the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

"In many of these countries, they don't have the same freedoms as we have to worship the way we do," said Amie Winstead, the Operation Christmas Child area coordinator for the Cumberland Pathway Team. "Samaritan's Purse can get access to these places because of their reputation. It's an opportunity to share the message much farther than we can by ourselves."

Winstead is also a member of Milan Baptist Church and the wife of pastor Jody Winstead. For six years, Milan Baptist has served as the Operation Christmas Child drop-off site for Union County. Holly Simmons is drop-off team leader. But the Union County collection for Operation Christmas Child isn't just an effort of Milan Baptist Church. Several local churches, organizations and individuals contribute to make the effort a success and change the lives of children half a world away.

Churches involved this year include First Baptist of Maynardville, Hubbs Grove, Hines Creek, Willow Springs and Union Baptist. The Alder Springs youth group contributed money and helped at one of the Milan Baptist shoebox packing events, which Winstead calls "packing parties." Union County 4-H and Beta Club also contributed to Operation Christmas Child.

Winstead said the community involvement is part of what makes Operation Christmas Child special.

"It helps open doors and bridge those gaps," she said. "It's the community coming together in one mind and one accord for one project."

And their efforts paid off. This year, the Union County drop-off site collected 2,231 shoeboxes, up from 1,318 in 2016, which was itself a record-breaking year. Milan Baptist's contribution was 1,086 boxes, up from 648 last year and topping the church's goal of 700 boxes.

Winstead said Milan's was a year-round effort, with the church starting collections in January. Each month had an assigned item, and church members were encouraged to donate the item for Operation Christmas Child that month. They also held three packing parties throughout the year.

But, Winstead said participation in Operation Christmas Child isn't limited to churches. Organizations large and small, and individuals, can all help out.

"We are very passionate about this. You don't have to be a large group to pack a shoebox. Anybody can pack a shoebox," she said.

There are year-round volunteer opportunities available for Operation Christmas Child, and year-round donations are needed. For more information and gift suggestions, contact Winstead at 865-742-9701 or awinstead.occ@aol.com, or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. Shoeboxes can be packed and mailed anytime to Samaritan's Purse headquarters at 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607, or you can visit www.samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to build and purchase a shoebox online.