Christmas shoe box program exceeds collection goal
More than 11K boxes collected for those in need
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LEWISTOWN -- Amid heartrending stories of natural calamities, pandemics, wars and poverty across the world, the embers of hope and love continue to glow in small-town America.
For 30 years, a feat of compassion has been blooming in the Juniata Valley Area -- the Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection. A bevy of volunteers, brimming with goodwill and determination, gather together every year to pack love, care, and a dash of the Christmas spirit into shoeboxes that reach distressed children worldwide.
The journey of each shoebox, starting from the hands of a volunteer in the Juniata Valley Area to the tiny hands of a child separated by oceans and continents, is a story profound in its simplicity. The Operation Christmas Child initiative showcases the power of shared humanity that transcends borders, reminding us all of the true spirit of Christmas.
Spearheaded by Juniata Valley Area Coordinators Dave and Tina Goll, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, has been a channel through which the community has extended its warmth to children across the globe.
In 2023, under the watchful guidance of the Golls, the Juniata Valley area set an ambitious goal of 10,578 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. This target was not only surpassed, but it was exceeded by a remarkable 7.75%.
To date, 11,398 boxes have been collected, with more still being built online. This accomplishment marks an 11% increase compared to the collection in 2022, showcasing a community deeply engaged in the spirit of giving.
"To date, we collected 11,398 boxes, but boxes continue to be built online through Dec. 31," the Golls said.
The factors contributing to this success are as diverse as the community itself. From bus trips to the Baltimore Processing Center to workshops, speaking engagements at churches, and booths at the week-long Huntingdon County Fair, each activity played a vital role in rallying support. The team's dedication to personally thank each church and group post-collection, coupled with their visibility through logo wear, sparked conversations and kindled interest.
Local engagement in reaching this year's goal was both multifaceted and heartwarming. A youth group from a local church held a bake sale at a Car Show, channeling the proceeds towards their Packing Party. Their efforts, along with contributions from student groups, the Lions organization, and a Girl Scout troop, exemplify the collective spirit of the area.
"One local church youth group held a bake sale at a Car Show to raise funds and awareness to support their Packing Party. This same church consistently posts in the local newspaper about their involvement with (Operation Christmas Child)," the Golls said.
Notably, two thrift shops regularly donate new items for the boxes, and three local food stores support events with refreshments. These stories are not just instances of charity but are threads in the fabric of a community united by a cause.
The Golls, however, are candid about the challenges they face. Covering a vast territory with a small team, they grapple with misconceptions about the ministry and its evolving needs. The ongoing task of educating the community about appropriate content for the shoeboxes underscores the dynamic nature of this endeavor.
"We have a very big territory and a very small team. Many people assume they know everything about the ministry, including what should go into a shoebox. They fail to actually read the brochure and do not attend our Project Leader events, which would keep them current," the Golls exclaimed.
Among the most touching narratives are those from the local families directly impacted by the shoebox gifts. A family with a lineage spanning three generations has made Operation Christmas Child an integral part of their Christmas tradition. By forgoing traditional gifts, they focus on packing and praying over shoeboxes, leaving an indelible mark of love and care in each.
"A local family with seven adult children, 16 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren has embraced OCC. In lieu of Christmas gifts to the children, the parents provide for a packing party where the entire family participates in packing and praying over the roughly 60 quality boxes produced," the Golls said.
The recruitment and engagement of volunteers are central to the Golls' strategy. Each interaction, whether during events or casual conversations, is an opportunity to invite participation. Their approach is not only about increasing numbers but also finding individuals who resonate with the mission of Operation Christmas Child.
The logistical aspect of the operation is a well-oiled machine. From collection at local drop-off points to final distribution handled by the headquarters in Boone, NC, every step is meticulously planned and executed. The integrity of each shoebox is paramount, as they are often packed with prayers and specific intentions for the recipients.
Looking ahead, the Golls have set a conservative goal of collecting 12,000 shoebox gifts in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023. Their plan includes continuing the successful activities of the previous year while keeping the community updated with the latest information about the ministry.
What drives Dave and Tina Goll is a deep-rooted belief in the Great Commission and a desire to reach out to communities that have never heard the name of Jesus. Their experiences, such as the distribution trip to Rwanda in 2017, have only fortified their resolve to continue this work.
"We believe that The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20 ("therefore, go and make disciples of all nations"), is for every follower of Jesus Christ," the Golls said. "By volunteering with OCC, we are equipping our Ministry Partners in other countries to share the Gospel in their communities. Many boxes go to areas where people don't have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. OCC has a goal to reach 1,000 communities that have never heard the name of Jesus by 2028."
For those interested in joining this noble cause, the Golls offer sage advice. They encourage visiting the Samaritan's Purse website and becoming familiar with the resources available there. Their offer to meet potential volunteers over coffee is an open invitation to become part of a journey that touches lives all over the world.
"For someone interested in being a Project Leader for their church or group, we recommend visiting www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC," the Golls explained. "We are a resource as well and can be reached at OCC.JVAT@gmail.com."
As they plan to increase community awareness and involvement, their long-term goal remains unwavering-that every child will hear the name of Jesus. With a strategy encompassing media outreach and engagement with non-participating churches, their presence at the local county fair is as much about raising awareness as it is about inviting participation.
"To increase community awareness, we plan on increasing our media hits and will continue to pursue non-participating churches. A presence at our local county fair brings awareness to people who may never step foot into a church," the Golls said.
And so, in the humble corners of the Juniata Valley, the jubilant rustling of shoebox gift packing continues, silently echoing the profound joy of giving.
For Dave and Tina Goll, Operation Christmas Child is more than a seasonal project; it is a year-round mission of hope and faith. As they forge ahead, their dedication, and those of their volunteers, serves as a reminder that in the heart of the Juniata Valley, generosity and compassion are always in season, transcending boundaries and changing lives, one shoebox at a time.