Operation Christmas Child (a project of Samaritans Purse) is the world’s largest Christmas Project. Begun in 1990 by a British layman from Wales and adopted by Samaritans Purse in 1993, it is now headed by Franklin Graham. Over the years, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed over 68 million shoeboxes to children in 145 countries! Just last year alone, almost eight million shoe boxes were delivered to children in need. Every day boys and girls worldwide suffer from war, poverty, disease and natural disasters.

OCC makes it possible for millions of these children to experience hope and God’s love through shoe boxes filled with gifts. Participants in the project include churches, schools, civic organizations and businesses just to name a few. Locally, Stick Boy Bread Company at 127 South Main Street in Fuquay-Varina hosted a packing party on Saturday, October 24.

Allen and Pamela Gayle of Holly Springs, NC work diligently all year as members of the Community Relations team for Operation Christmas Child. In addition, shopping for bargains all year and generous donations from area merchants enables them to host a huge packing party each year. This year, the party was held at Piney Grove Baptist Church on Sept. 19 and together with their volunteers, packed over 1200 shoeboxes with coloring books, crayons, toys, toothbrushes, toothpaste,washcloths and soap as well as many school supplies. It was attended by over 50 volunteers from Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Fayetteville and Angier ranging in ages from five to 90. Every age finds this project to be fun and rewarding at the same time. Having been to Ecuador on a shoe box distribution, Allen and Pamela witnessed firsthand the extensive needs of some of the children reached by this project. For many, it will be the only gift that they will ever receive. For others, it represents hope and joy that is missing in their everyday life. It is a perfect project for teaching children about the needs of others less fortunate.

The theme for this year is “Just one more”. By packing just one more shoe box, another child will find comfort and joy at a trying time in their life. Shoe boxes are being packed by area families and groups and will be taken to area Collection Centers during the week of Nov. 16-23. For a collection center near you and more information, visit www.samaritanspurse.org