Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is all about how a shoebox can change a life. Vanguard’s Global Education and Outreach center will be putting on Operation Christmas Child for the second time around this year. Last year Vanguard packed 88 boxes that were sent around the world. This year, they hope to pack over 100 boxes.

Kayli Hillebrand, Director of Global Education and Outreach explains that the goal behind Operation Christmas Child is to “allow our campus to respond in simple ways to love people around the world. We know that not every student is going to go on international outreach trips, but we want to teach that there are countless things that can be done here each day that bless and impact others through very simple actions.”

A new edition to this year’s Operation Christmas Child includes a packing party, “where we will have donated items and our campus can come through and pack a box with what is provided, write them a note, and pray over the recipient” says Hillebrand.

Hillebrand looks forward to how many more people are participating this year. She says it is encouraging, “to see students, faculty, and staff grabbing boxes and donating supplies.”

With Operation Christmas Child individuals are able to partner with Christ and what He is already doing. It’s the small acts that can have the biggest impact.

There are three ways to participate in Operation Christmas child:

        (1) Pack a box with some of your friends

        (2) Donate Supplies to fill a box

        (3) Volunteer at the packing warehouse

Some dates to keep in mind include:

        November 11th: all supplies due in the GED office

        November 12th: packing party in the Needham Courtyard from 5-7pm

        December 4th and 5th: volunteer at warehouse from 10am-4pm