By Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) students and Newday Adventist church in Parker, Colorado came together to hold Operation Christmas Child (OCC) donation event, a project of the international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, whose mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items and school supplies.
Why hold the event in February when the Christmas holiday is just a recent memory?
Katrina White, Newday member and OCC coordinator explains, “We typically run these fundraisers around the Christmas holiday; however, with the busy holiday schedules and the hardships that have hit many families this past year, we decided to host the MHA fundraising event in February, the month where we show others how much they are loved and appreciated.”
Students were encouraged to donate items, such as Legos, dolls and sports balls.
When asked why they enjoyed giving gifts to others, Zuzu, MHA kindergartener, said, “Because it makes kids happy.”
Another kindergartener Ciela explained, ““When we give little kids toys, we see ‘em [become] happy. We give money to them, and it is very nice that we give money to them.”
MHA students were able to donate 188 items to the Christmas drive with the kindergarten class donating 68 items, beating out the other participating grades to win a pizza lunch for their classroom.
The donated items were placed in shoe boxes with school supplies and personal hygiene products before being shipped to children worldwide, spreading love and cheer to those who may need it the most.
Reflecting on the event White said, “This is God’s project, and no matter what, our efforts are to glorify Him.”
–Karrie Meyers is communication assistant at Mile High Academy; photo supplied
