Donations sought for Operation Christmas Child

“We will roll with it and see how it goes”, she said. “We take for granted so often”.

This year, the operation hopes to collect almost 90,000 shoeboxes here in the Mid-South. The church jumped at the chance.

According to Christina Mabry, boxes filled with gifts will be accepted and sent to a regional processing center where they are examined to ensure all items are appropriate and the boxes are packed properly before being shipped to their final destinations. It is led by the Rev. Zak Mitchell, who is Kristin Mitchell’s father-in-law.

Pereda said the program positively impacted her high school experience. “It’s an easy way to show the love of Jesus to them, to children all over the world”. The Full Life Family Church drop off location’s hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00-3:00 PM, and call ahead to ask for weekend hours.

Huerta encouraged volunteers to donate school supplies. There is also a photo booth.

Each box is labeled for either a boy or a girl, with an age range clearly noted – child ages 2-4, child ages 5-9 or a child ages 10-14. “People in the Panhandle are excited about Operation Christmas Child”, said Karen Copeland, Panhandle Logistic Coordinator.

“In Uganda, the schools are built by the government, so they have nice buildings, but if the children don’t have supplies, they can’t go to school”, Palmer said.

“We appreciate what you all have done so much”, Hamm said. Just think some child somewhere is going to open the box you prepared and be so excited. “So we encourage people to get involved”, added Copeland. “She talked about Etch-a-Sketches”, said Dana Kimmel, a volunteer with Operation Christmas Child. “But this year is really a paramount year”.

Monday was the first day for boxes to come to Unity’s multi-purpose building at the church’s campus, 311 Smokey Road.

She also raises money to ensure she can do so many boxes.