Operation Christmas Child kicks off collection week in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today marks the start of the celebration season for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, as nearly five thousand drop-off locations open across the country.
This year, the local kickoff is taking place at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga.
News 12 spoke with local organizers to learn more about what this mission means not only to the community, but to the children whose lives are touched around the world.
Pastor Alex Lawrence from Faith Community Wesleyan Church prayed over the boxes, saying, “Lord, just let these be the markers of your presence and your love, sent overseas into their life. We love you, Lord, and we thank you for the opportunity to participate in your kingdom work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Covenant Presbyterian is one of twelve collection sites in the Chattanooga area and one of nearly five thousand nationwide.
Each year, thousands of shoeboxes are packed with essential items and small gifts before being shipped across the globe.
Diana Bowers, Coordinator for First Presbyterian Church in Fort Oglethorpe, says watching the younger generation participate is one of the greatest joys.
“It’s a blessing to see small children in our church come together, learning to bring toys and color pictures, and share the message of Christ with kids they will never meet,” she said.
The shoeboxes are filled with items many children have never owned before, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and school supplies. Some boxes also carry stories that volunteers say they will never forget.
Drop-off Coordinator Judy Foster remembers one young girl whose simple wish was for a box of crayons.
“When this little girl heard that something special was coming, she said, ‘I wish I could get a box of crayons.’ When she opened her box, there was a box of crayons right on top. Not only was she thrilled, but her family asked, ‘Who is so rich? Who cares so much?’”
Most of the children who receive these boxes have never been given a gift of their own.
Foster says that is why volunteers pack as much hope as they do supplies.
“We focus a lot on school supplies because many children who do not have them are unable to attend school. But we always include toys because they have never had one. I have heard so many testimonies. One child still has the yo-yo he received, and it has been twenty-five years.”
Volunteers say their passion for this mission comes from their desire to share love far beyond their own community.
Katie Lawrence, wife of Pastor Alex Lawrence, shared what guides their involvement.
“What comes to mind for me is the mission statement of our church, which is that we exist to do everything for the glory of God and for the good of His people. We do not just seek good for ourselves. We want to bring goodness, love, joy, and peace to everyone around us.”
Operation Christmas Child hopes these gifts will spark joy, open doors for education, and remind children around the world that they are seen and loved.
Donations can be dropped off at 8451 East Brainerd Road in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Collection hours are Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., and on the final Monday, November 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
