November 10, 2009

SUBJECT: OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD STATION AT COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

By: Stephanie Bell

            On November 16-22, the College of the Ozarks Williams Memorial Chapel parking lot will serve as the Tri-Lakes region drop-off point for “Operation Christmas Child.”  Shoeboxes can be brought to this location from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 2 p.m., on Sunday.

            Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, a unique Christian relief and evangelism project of Samaritan’s Purse, has collected and hand-delivered more than 61 million shoe box gifts to underprivileged children in some 130 countries.

            “I am really excited about this year’s Operation Shoebox collection,” said Linda LeNeve, relay center coordinator for Operation Christmas Child. “A simple act of generosity gives hope to children caught in the midst of war, famine, natural disaster and extreme poverty and shows them that they have not been forgotten! I know we have a lot of servants in the Tri-Lakes area to help bless these children.”

            Typical boxes are filled with small toys and necessity items such as school supplies, hygiene products and books. Please do not include war related toys, perishables, liquids, breakables or medical items. Families and organizations pack and donate shoeboxes and many people include a personal note or photo to go along with their $7 donation to help cover shipping costs.
           
            Through this project, families, churches, schools or organizations will have the opportunity to reach out to underprivileged children in desperate situations around the world.
           
            For more information, please contact Executive Assistant of Campus Ministries Linda LeNeve at (417) 690-3446.

#                      #                      #