Methodist University Prepares for Operation Christmas Child

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 30, 2007
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Methodist University will serve as a drop-off site for “Operation Christmas Child - A Project of Samaritan’s Purse” during National Collection Week, Nov. 12-19. Students and volunteers will be available to collect shoeboxes filled with age- and gender-appropriate school supplies, toys, and personal items. Shoeboxes may be delivered to the parking lot in front of Reeves Auditorium Nov. 12-19. Boxes will be collected from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“This year our goal is to collect 50,000 boxes,” said the Rev. Dr. Mike Safley, vice president of University Relations and Campus Ministry at Methodist University. Last year, about 34,000 shoeboxes were loaded on tractor trailers and taken to the processing center in Charlotte, N.C.—one of six processing centers in the United States. In total, Operation Christmas Child packs and delivers about seven million shoe-boxed gifts for children in over 90 countries worldwide.

How do I pack a shoebox?
Samaritan’s Purse offers the following suggestions:

Toys: Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
School Supplies: Pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
Personal Supplies: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
Miscellaneous Items: Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.
A Personal Note: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child, a photo of yourself or your family, and your name and address (optional).
Shoe box form and labels (PDF)

Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,100 students from 41 states and 30 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations, three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. If you would like more information about the program, please call (910) 630-7157 or visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC.