North Country Inspiration: Helping make Christmas brighter for kids overseas

PIERREPONT, New York (WWNY) - Many hands make light work. And hands were busy packing Christmas boxes for needy children overseas at Union Church in Pierrepont.

“Samaritan’s Purse has this project, Operation Christmas Child, which reaches out to children with the love of Jesus to show now more than ever, children need to experience hope and joy,” said Patty Williams, who’s logistics coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.

This church collects donations year-round. Things like school supplies, hygiene items, clothing, and toys.

“We started Operation Christmas Child in 1999 and we packed 41 shoeboxes, and we were so excited,” Williams said, “and this year, I believe we’re going to pack 3,400 shoeboxes.

And that’s just at this church. Across the north country, the goal this year is 18,000 boxes. They’ll soon be shipped to more than 100 countries for children in crisis.

“This year, I’m sure we will be reaching out to some of the war-torn countries that are having problems right now,” Williams said.

Fourteen-year-old Ryan Sprole has been volunteering for as long as he can remember. He says not all kids are as lucky as he is to be in a position to give.

“I mean, they’re just so less privileged than us,” he said, “so it’s good to know that you’re doing what you can.”

Christmas is still six weeks away, but this week is national collection week. If you fill a shoebox, drop it off this week at your nearest location outlined on samaritanpurse.org.

“What makes it worth it is the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with these children and bring the joy and love that they need,” Williams said.

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