Operation Christmas Child sends gifts to children in need

Operation Christmas Child, or O.C.C.is a project focused on delivering shoe boxes to children across the United States and internationally.

Sarah Gallardo, Coordinator with Operation Christmas Child, says the smallest things can make a huge difference to a child in need. No chocolate, liquids, military or war-related (including camouflage items) are permitted, as numerous recipients live in war-torn regions.

Word of Life is one of 5,000 drop-off locations in the US for Operation Christmas Child’s annual collection week.

“We’ve been collecting stuff all year round, from everybody in the church and people outside the church to make it possible”, she said. Kids also like school supplies like erasers, pencils, pads, pens, sharpeners, crayons, coloring books, picture books and calculators. “It’s a great way to let the children know that somebody loves them”.

Perishable items, liquids and war-related items are not allowed in the shoeboxes.

“We are very excited”, said Rogers about the amount of boxes donated. “It’s a wonderful memory”. “The rest I made in July and August”, said Anthony.

“We’ve also had the Avon football team help out before”, she said. Imagine the joy when a child who has never received a gift and never had anything new that truly belonged to him receives a box. She remembers the letters that were sent in the boxes. She came to the USA a decade ago to further her education and to learn English.

Miller said this was BSU’s first year serving as the collection center for Operation Christmas Child.

“It’s meaningful because we are giving to kids who are less fortunate and making their Christmas a day to remember”, said junior Laura Munson.

With the holidays right around the corner, Operation Christmas Child’s 2016 donation drive has entered its final days.

“Every shoebox represents a child”, she said. The Property Shop is donating its moving truck again this year to transport all the boxes to Edwards where they will be sent to the distribution center in Denver and then shipped all over the world. Donations from the pharmacy ensured that each box contained a pair of flip flops and other items.