Pack a shoebox to change a life
RCHS seniors, Emerson McDonald (left) and her friend and teammate, Anna Spielmann (right) taking a break to smile for the camera.
Since 1993, excited hearts and eager hands have had the joy of unwrapping shoeboxes that were sent across the country and the world, just for them. The boxes are packed full of goodies they need, want and are delighted to receive.
Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational Christian nonprofit organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Operation Christmas Child, one of Samaritan’s Purse’s most successful programs, has delivered these gift-filled shoeboxes to more than 232 million children in 170 countries and territories. This year, the projected goal is to send 11.1 million shoebox gifts in the United States and 12.6 million around the world.
Anyone can pack a box. Samaritan’s Purse makes it easy, with a website that has ideas for what to pack, from school supplies and personal hygiene items to dolls and soccer balls. You might be surprised how many goodies can fit in a shoebox.
For the past three years, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) senior and Forest Park resident Emerson McDonald has been taking part in packing boxes with her RCHS girls basketball team. Emerson said it is an event they always look forward to. They pack the boxes and also volunteer to get all of the boxes ready for shipping at the Samaritan’s Purse warehouse in Englewood. Emerson said it is a magical time knowing all those boxes are going to brighten a child’s life.
“It is so special to get to make these boxes because we know how many blessings we have in our lives and to use those blessings to help kids who are less fortunate have a good holiday is really heartwarming,” said Emerson.
Jasmine Henry, the marketing and media associate for the local chapter of Samaritan’s Purse, explained it is not just a job for her, but this event runs deep for who she is as a person. She packed shoeboxes with her family as a child.
“I love my job because it is a daily reminder that everything we do has eternal impact,” said Jasmine. “These shoeboxes are so much more than simple gifts. They’re tangible expressions of God’s love that opens doors for children around the world to experience hope.”
This year’s shoebox collection week is November 17-24. There are several drop-off locations in Douglas County. The closest location to 80108 is Calvary Castle Rock church at 1480 Canyon Drive in Castle Rock. After drop-off, you may follow your box’s journey online.
Visit samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child for more information on how and what to pack and to find other drop-off locations.
The Rock Canyon High School girls basketball team package and ship off shoeboxes as part of the Operation Christmas Child program at the Samaritan’s Purse warehouse in Englewood.
By Karen Leigh; photos courtesy of Emerson McDonald
