By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University invites Cenla residents, along with students, faculty, and staff to fill shoeboxes for children around the world this holiday season.
This is the fourth year the university has participated in Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, to provide Christmas gifts, in the form of filled shoeboxes, to children in need around the world.
“As a member of the Operation Christmas Child Student Ministry team for this region, I am the Project Leader for Operation Christmas Child Ministry on our campus,” said Tabitha Huffman, LCU professor of theatre. “Last year our campus packed and sent out 178 shoeboxes…which was over double the year before! This means 178 needy children overseas received our gifts but also heard about Jesus through The Greatest Journey discipleship program that is delivered wherever the boxes land.”
Huffman said this year, she would love to bring this number up even more.
“I believe if more organizations on campus jump on board, we can easily do that,” she said. “Even if your organization only packs five or 10, each box makes a difference.”
She encouraged community groups and families to pack a shoebox or two for a little girl or little boy, as well, and drop them off at Martin Performing Arts Center by Nov. 15.
LCU Acting President David Jeffreys said he has been involved in this mission since his children were young, as a way to teach them about giving to others during the holidays when we are often focused on what gifts we are receiving.
“Filling shoe boxes has been a staple in our family as we have taught our children to put action to their faith over the years,” Jeffreys said. “I am so thankful for Louisiana Christian continuing to do this in so many ways, including Operation Christmas Child. I am looking forward to our LCU family taking part in providing gifts and the Gospel to children around the world.”
Ways to get involved:
- Pack boxes as an organization or an individual: Shoeboxes can be picked up at the Martin Performing Arts Center, or you may use your own. Brochures with all of the instructions for packing your boxes are also available for pick-up.
- Contribute stuff for boxes: You may not have the time to pack boxes, but you do want to contribute. In that case, you may donate items for the boxes. You may drop items off at the Martin Performing Arts Center in the large, wrapped bin in the lobby. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help with shipping costs, please contact Huffman directly at tabitha.huffman@lcuniversity.edu.
WHAT GOES IN A SHOEBOX? Click Here: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/
LEARN MORE ABOUT OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD. Click Here: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
