The upcoming holiday season ushers in Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child was founded by Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization aimed at helping the less fortunate.
Operation Christmas Child was started in 1993, and in 32 years it has delivered shoeboxes full of gifts to over 230 million children worldwide. Growing into an international movement, the tradition started as a favor asked of Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham. He was asked to deliver boxes to Eastern Europe, and it has now expanded to a worldwide organization.
Fresno Christian Schools participates in Operation Christmas Child annually. Last year FC students in elementary, middle school and high school collected over 300 boxes, and with the holiday arriving student’s ready gifts for children all over the world.
To increase the participation of middle and high school students, a competition between all second period classes has started. With the national collection week fast approaching, high schoolers are prepping and packing their shoe boxes for eagerly awaiting children in over 170 countries.
Some items to include in your boxes are small stuffed animals, school supplies, toys and even a handwritten note or photo. People can buy these from local stores or online.
Every second period class in middle and high school is competing to have the largest percentage of class participation. The winning class will receive a Starbucks run that is paid by the school.
Sophomore Kenna Sherfield is a first-year high school leadership student and plans to put together a box this season.
“Operation Christmas Child is a way to share joy and remind children that they are cared for and not forgotten,” Sherfield said. “Even a small gift can make a big difference in someone’s day or life.”
Collection day is on Monday, Nov. 17 so make sure to fill a box with lots of love and goodies, then submit to your second period class.
To read more from The Feather Operation Christmas Child box collection begins or Students prepare for ‘A Night in Winter Wonderland’.
