Operation Christmas Child success continues
WAYNESBURG — For many children this year, their most memorable Christmas will begin with a simple shoe box.
Since its inception in 1993 through Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has delivered over 124 million gift-filled shoe boxes to children all around the world who otherwise would have had nothing to open on Christmas day. The purpose of OCC is not just to give underprivileged children toys; it’s meant to show God’s love to these children and to bring them a new sense of hope during the holiday season.
Since 2007, Oak View United Methodist Church has been in charge of coordinating the county-wide initiative to support OCC. With each passing year, the program continues to grow more successful. This year, Oak View collected 1,977 shoe boxes during OCC’s National Collection Week, which is held the third week of each November.
In a single week, nearly 2,000 boxes were filled with toys, school supplies, non-liquid hygiene items, accessories, crafts and personal notes. Nicki Strayer, local coordinator for OCC, was blown away by the generosity of Greene County.
“Isn’t that amazing?” Strayer asked. “People really love this project.”
Each year, the number of boxes that are collected grows by the hundreds; last year 1,571 boxes were collected. The success of this year’s collection is due in part to the fact that the project has become more publicized, according to Strayer.
“It’s really caught on and people are starting earlier now,” Strayer said.
Oak View United Methodist Church began preparing for the project as early as August, but Strayer hopes to start even earlier in 2016 by collecting specific items each month.
Oak View United Methodist Church was one of many churches and organizations throughout Greene County that helped to contribute to the cause. Waynesburg University, First United Methodist Church in Waynesburg, First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg, Open Door Christian School, Rogersville United Methodist Church, Greater Purpose Team Ministry, Hewitt Presbyterian Church, Assembly of God, First Church of Nazarene In Waynesburg, Carmichaels First United Methodist Church, Greene Valley Presbyterian Church, Mt Zion Baptist Church, WWJD Christian Center, Claughton Chapel, and Greene Community Church, among others, all donated gift-filled shoe boxes, in addition to numerous individual contributions.
Because of their generous work, hundreds of children across the globe will be able to enjoy a wide array of items this holiday season.
With more preparation and earlier starting dates, Strayer hopes to see the program grow even more. She recognizes, however, that OCC is not merely a contest to see how many shoe boxes can be filled.
“It’s not about the numbers” Strayer said. “It’s the thought and prayer that goes into the box that will change lives.”
Furthermore, though Strayer said that she would like to see 2,000 boxes collected next year, she continues to be hesitant to set goals.
“I don’t have control over it,” Strayer said. “I put it in God’s hands.”
Although National Collection Week ended nearly a month ago, it’s not too late to get involved with this very special project. Strayer mentioned that one important way to contribute to OCC is by donating to Samaritan’s Purse to cover the cost of shipping these boxes. Each box costs approximately seven dollars to ship; to contribute to the shipping cost, go online to Samaritan’s Purse.
Another way to participate in OCC can also be done through the Samaritan’s Purse website. Individuals can virtually “pack” a shoe box, by selecting a child’s age and gender and then shopping through an online collection of culturally relevant gifts. Participants can complete the package by uploading a photo of themselves and writing an encouraging note to the child. After the project is completed and the shoe boxes are sent away, participants can be notified where in the world their gift was sent. To virtually fill a shoe box or to share the opportunity with another through a shoe box gift card, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
Whether packed virtually or by hand, these boxes have the power to change lives and show love to children in need. As Strayer noted, these shoe boxes might be the first gift some children have ever received, which will undoubtedly touch their hearts.
“It’s enough to bring tears to your eyes,” Strayer said.
The generosity of Greene County continues to be touching to Strayer as well; she is very appreciative that others have come together to act as the hands and feet of God through the project.
“I’d like to give a big thank you to Greene County for getting involved,” Strayer said. “It amazes me what Greene County can do.”