The Gift of Christmas Kindness
From October 31 through November 14, Kylee Schmiesing, of St. John 1321 in Minnesota, collected items and packed shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse. As an international relief organization, Samaritan's Purse's mission is “to provide partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a way of reaching out to children with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Operation Christmas Child ships these essential gifts to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.”[1]
After the two-week donation drive — a recurring Feeding God’s Children event for St. John 1321 — the court came together and packed 30 shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene products. Members and non-members spent a whole morning meticulously packing boxes and loading them into large shipping boxes so that, through an act of Christian charity, they could send Christmas joy to children around the world. Car trunks overflowed with gifts that had been collected around town, and the excitement they’d bring to underprivileged children was felt by all.
In addition to the gifts, Kylee and St. John 1321 raised $96 for shipping expenses so that Operation Christmas Child could focus on delivering the shoeboxes (pictured below) in a timely manner. After all, Christmas is merely weeks away.
This year, Kylee and St. John 1321 spread the Christmas spirit to all, both near and far!
[1] samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/frequently-asked-questions/