While most of us pitch up our Christmas trees and wrap presents, we often let our excitement get the best of us and forget about our less fortunate neighbors. Around the world, there are families struggling to find water and edible substances. Needless to say, Christmas presents are the last thing on the minds of those in third-world countries.
This is where Operation Christmas Child comes into play. This organization offers a solution to the rising epidemic of hunger and empty homes on Christmas day.
Robert Foshee, leadership advisor, encourages students to participate in this event annually. This year, his goal is for 300 boxes to be donated school-wide.
“Last year we collected roughly 275 boxes,” Foshee said. “This year we’re upping it to 300. This is an important way for students to get involved beyond their community and around the world.”
Operation Christmas Child works to make donating easy for anyone interested. To get involved, one must simply fill up a shoebox with toys that a child would enjoy. It is also encouraged that donators throw a few toiletries (such as toothbrushes or soap) or school supplies (such as crayons or notebooks) into their shoeboxes as well.
Along with toys and everyday supplies, there is a seven dollar fee required to cover shipping and handling fees, since the boxes travel internationally.
Junior Timothy Nyberg, a leadership member, believes that this is a beneficial opportunity for people of all ages.
“Last year we collected roughly 275 boxes,” Foshee said. “This year we’re upping it to 300. This is an important way for students to get involved beyond their community and around the world.” — Robert Foshee, Leadership advisor
“I’m definitely participating this year,” Nyberg said. “It’s a great chance for us to all take a break from our holiday self-absorption and pay attention to those who are truly in need.”
Sophomore Bree Castro, a first-year student at FC, reports not being well-informed on the event, and feels that her classmates could say the same.
“All I really know is that we have shoeboxes that we put toys in,” Castro said. “Most schools do it, but I’ve never really gotten involved because I’ve never been told much about it. Even though it is sad to say, I don’t think this is high on most students’ list of priorities.”
Shoeboxes were originally due to FC on Nov. 7, but the date has been extended to Wednesday, Nov. 12.
If students choose not to donate through the school, there will be drop-off locations set up around your town during the week of Nov. 17-24. Please find Operation Christmas Child locations here.
Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather and Instagram: @thefeatheronline. This writer can be reached via Twitter: @_chloemueller. The hashtag for campus service projects are #FCGiveThanks.
For more news, read the Oct. 31 article, STORIFY: 30th homecoming begins #FCgoesHollywood.
