FCA Fills Showboxes for Christmas

Kansas Wesleyan student athletes came together on Thursday, November 7th, in the SAC for their monthly FCA meeting. And the overall mission for the night was to pack as many shoeboxes as possible for the Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child. These shoeboxes are filled with small essentials and other items that are sent to kids in need around the world. 

To find out more about Operation Christmas Child, click here:  Operation Christmas Child | Shoebox Outreach of Samaritan’s Purse

Setting Up

Students gathered a little early to start separating all the items that were gathered. After everything was set and good to go, students were able to grab some hot chocolate that was provided. They also sat and waited for everyone to arrive and listened to the Christmas music that was playing. 

Athletes from each team were tasked with getting as many items as possible. Also, there was a prize offered for the team that had the most participating members. And baseball seemed to run away with the victory. A great showing for the Coyote baseball team. 

Coulson Riggs, a junior on the baseball team, talked about the participation: “I just want to say how proud I am of our group for these donations. Our goal was 15 boxes, and thanks to all the donations, we were able to get to 50 boxes.”.

FCA Area Coordinator Aaron Glendening spoke with all the students and walked them through what they’re supposed to do. He emphasized making sure the boxes weren’t too full. He also talked about the last step, which is putting a personal note in the shoebox by the person who filled it. 

Packing Boxes

There were six categories of boxes to fill. There were boxes for boys aged 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. Of course, it was the same for girls. Also, some students paired up to fill boxes, and some did theirs on their own. 

So, students started off on preparing boxes for kids who might only get the one for Christmas. Students went to each table where the different items were separated. For example, here is one of the boxes filled up. There are socks, toothbrushes, deodorant, pencils, crayons, a notebook, and a stuffed animal. 

Surpassing Expectations

Because there was a shortage of boxes, there was a wait for more boxes to arrive. After more came, the rest were filled with the remaining supplies. In the meantime, students filled themselves with more hot chocolate and talked with each other.

Lastly, there was a surplus of certain items, and some items weren’t able to fit. Pastor Aaron said, “The extra items that weren’t able to make it will be used at some point in the spring for something else.”