“Wow, I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas,” is a phrase we often hear as the year comes to an end. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving, but not everyone is lucky enough to wake up on Christmas morning and see presents under the tree.
Samaritan’s Purse is an organization that put together (along with many other things) Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is where you can pack a shoe box with gifts and send it to children in need around the world. Your shoe box can be for a boy or girl, ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. You fill your box with one medium-large item, small school supplies, and hygiene items. In Luke 10:30-37, a good Samaritan rescued a hurting man that others had simply ignored. Jesus told his listeners, “Go and do likewise.” This organization follows this command by meeting the needs of those who have been victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, and much more.
Likewise, Alvernia University finds importance in the story of Saint Francis. Francis of Assisi came from a high-class family. Lepers were in the lower class, kept outside of the community due to their disease. Francis embraced a leper and found the presence of God, making him content and happy. When people came back from war, they saw the happiness he had and decided to follow him.
Alvernia University values this Franciscan leadership and service. This is only one of the reasons why the Golden Wolves are participating in Operation Christmas Child. Each residence hall will be in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most donations. The winner will get a free ice cream sundae party. This is a great way for students to get involved in a good cause.
If you’re interested in a simple way to help those around the world, put together a shoe box and find a drop-off location near you. National Collection Week runs from November 18-25th. More details can be found on the Samaritan Purse website. Around the world, people are facing problems with the things we may take for granted every day. Become a part of this great cause and donate a shoe box today!
You Might Also Like
