Area churches, spearheaded by the First Baptist Church of Greensburg, are currently participating in Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a global program created by Franklin Graham and the Samaritan’s Purse organization in 1993. The program is a donation drive where simple toys, school supplies and personal hygiene items are gathered and packed into shoeboxes before being mailed to children in need around the world.
Beyond gathering the usual items – pencils, toys, pencil sharpeners, toothbrushes (no toothpaste), simple toys – the First Baptist Church has a craft group that sews small, handmade items like bags, bracelets, barrettes, or necklaces, to include in the shoeboxes and also accepts pillowcases to make pillowcase dresses. Boxes for the youngest children will often include a blanket similar to a receiving blanket. Most churches in Decatur County participate in it, according to Isabelle Royce, one of the organizers of Operation Christmas Child for the First Baptist Church. Royce didn’t know exactly how long First Baptist Church has participated in Operation Christmas Child but said they’ve participated for “at least 10 years.” First Baptist Church usually aims to fill at least 600 boxes per year – they gather items for boxes for two to four year olds, five to nine year olds and 10-14 year olds.
One member of the First Baptist Church, according to Royce, received an Operation Christmas Child box growing up and has spoken to congregants about how much that box meant to him.
The National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child was November 18-25, however shoeboxes are typically gathered until mid-December and items can be donated year-round.
Article Submitted by Noelle Maxwell
