By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University’s Operation Christian Child student ministry is collecting shoeboxes for distribution to children around the world this holiday season.
This year, the goal is 300 boxes.
“Last year our campus packed and sent out over 200 shoeboxes,” said Tabitha Huffman, project leader and LCU theatre professor. “This means over 200 needy children overseas received our gifts, but also heard about Jesus through The Greatest Journey discipleship program that is delivered wherever the boxes land.”
On Oct. 28, Basit Hammad, a former shoebox recipient, spoke during LCU chapel service about what receiving a shoebox gift at age 13 meant to him and how much of an impact it can make in the lives of children around the world. Hammad grew up in a country where 98.8 percent of the population is non-Christian.
LCU is one of three universities in the nation to be chosen by Samaritan’s Purse for sponsorship over the next two years. Through this, the organization helps provided materials needed to pack shoeboxes and will send full-circle speakers to spread awareness of the ministry. A full-circle speaker is an individual who received a box as a child.
“When you pack a shoebox, you’re actually sending a gospel opportunity to a child around the world,” Hammad said. “3.2 billion people still need to hear the Gospel.”
Boxes for LCU’s OCC shoebox drive can be packed by student organizations, community groups or individuals. Donations of items to fill boxes and monetary donations also will be accepted.
Shoeboxes can be packed for either a boy or girl and for a particular age child. Items should be new and must fit in the shoebox. Examples of items to include are small toys like jacks, toys, whistles, crayons and stickers. Hygiene and personal care items like socks, toothbrushes, hairbrushes and headbands also make good gifts.
You may also purchase filler items from LCU’s Operation Christmas Child Amazon shopping list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MRIGPPCZWQLM?ref_=wl_share
Interested individuals may email tabitha.huffman@lcuniversity.edu to get boxes, which can be picked up at Martin Performing Arts Center.
Additionally, a fundraiser is scheduled at Chick-fil-A Jackson & MacArthur in Alexandria on Oct. 30 from 3-8 p.m. Those who eat at the restaurant or order through the Chick-fil-A App and mention OCC will have 15 of those sales go toward the shipping cost for the student boxes.
LCU also will host a packing party on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. University and community members are invited to come to the Martin Performing Arts Center on campus and help pack shoe boxes.
Shoeboxes must be delivered to Martin Performing Arts Center by Nov. 14 at noon.
