UTM Collegiate 4-H is asking for donations for Operation Christmas Child.
Operation Christmas Child is a ministry service project sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse that provides children in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific with toys and necessities for Christmas. The shoe boxes are packed for boys and girls in the following age categories: 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14.
The boxes include hygiene items, school supplies, clothing accessories, toys, handmade crafts and a personal note. Samaritan’s Purse asks that a $9 donation be included with the box to help with shipping fees.
Chad Lewis, committee chair of Operation Christmas Child for UTM’s Collegiate 4-H, said that they have been involved with Operation Christmas Child for three years.
Each year campus involvement in Operation Christmas Child has increased. In 2015, there were 25 boxes packed. In 2016, there were 40 people involved and 125 boxes packed to be sent overseas.
“It is something we hold near to our hearts in 4-H, and want to extend it to the whole of UT Martin,” Lewis said.
4-H has set a goal of getting 100 students involved this year. Lewis also said they would like to pack 200 boxes. The date for packing the shoe boxes is set for Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Brehm Hall room 107.
4-H is asking for student organizations to collect items, make monetary donations, or collect shoe boxes or plastic tubs. If you would like to make an individual donation, or if you have any questions, Lewis can be contacted at chaalewi@ut.utm.edu.
For more information about Operation Christmas Child and what items can be included in a shoe box, visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org.
