BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bluefield worked together this evening to prepare over 300 shoeboxes that will be shipped to children in 10 countries for Christmas.
The church is one of many around the United States that partner with Samaritan’s Purse for the yearly Operation Christmas Child campaign.
Congregation at the church spent all year collecting items that were packed in the boxes tonight.
The boxes were filled with hygiene items, school supplies, foldable backpacks, sewing supplies, gifts, and filler items to fill the box as much as possible.
Along with items collected, the congregation also funded the shipping cost which was $10 per box.
Coordinator Angie McCall says she is happy seeing all the church members coming together to help a large number of children.
“It literally gives me chills,” says McCall. “Sometimes I have to fight crying when I look at the work that has gone in and the love that’s been put into this and the prayers that were answered. I’ll put out a little memo and say, we’re low on this and can somebody help? The next time I come in, I’ve got twice as much as I need. People are just so willing to give of their time and their funds and their prayers.”
Westminster Presbyterian Church is also a collection center for other Bluefield churches who fill shoeboxes to drop off at.
They will be delivering the boxes to a drop-off location in Beckley on National Collection Week, November 18 through 25.
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