Based on last year’s donations, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has some big shoes to fill, or in this case, shoe boxes. Last year, FCA participated in Operation Christmas Child, a project through Samaritan’s Purse where shoe box sized gifts were sent off to children all around the world. The organization works with churches and charities to ensure that the shoe boxes will be delivered by hand. It is now that time of year again where donations are being collected.

Senior Celeste Meadows is passionate about the program and wants others to get involved to help support the great cause.

“I hope people can see it actually does make a difference and they will take the time to contribute. It does not even have to be a lot, anything around the house works. Even just a new unused toothbrush, we need everything we can get,” said Meadows.

For many of these children, a filled shoe box may be the only gift they receive, making this program even more special and meaningful.

“We take for granted everything we are given for Christmas every year. Kids in other countries hardly get anything, and it is important to take advantage of this amazing opportunity,” said Meadows.

To help make a difference, students can donate any new school supplies, toys, clothes or toiletries to the box outside of photography teacher Bruce Fleischer’s room, 275. National Collection week is November 17 through the 23, but FCA is aiming to have the donations in by November 19. Each box is packed gender friendly and labeled appropriately so every child can be happy with their shoe box.

Anyone can donate, even if they are not apart of FCA. Sophomore Emily Jensen first got involved in the project last year.

“I donated because I wanted other kids to experience the joy of opening a gift and knowing they are loved by someone,” said Jensen.

Jensen loves seeing the joy Operation Christmas Child brings to children, and encourages others to get involved.

“The best part of Operation Christmas Child is getting to see where your shoe boxes went in the world and knowing that you put a smile on a child’s face,” said Jensen.

With such an outstanding previous year, being able to fill 22 shoe boxes with Christmas gifts, FCA wishes to bring in an even greater amount of donations, to help children everywhere have a merry Christmas.

“We hope to get a larger number of boxes and to spread the word about the project. We want to teach enough kids about it so it can continue,” said senior Kelly Hart.

Many like to use the phrase “good things come in small packages” around the holidays, and this is exactly the case with Operation Christmas Child. A shoe box filled with everyday items and goodies may seem small, but it can bring a mile wide smile to a child in a struggling country.