Organized by Nate Ackerson, a PIHS senior and Student Council president, the collection drive is part of Operation Christmas Child.
A program of Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief and evangelism organization led by Franklin Graham, Operation Christmas Child started in 1993. Shoeboxes are filled with school supplies, toys, and personal items that help introduce children to Jesus Christ.
“This year we collected 29 boxes,” said Ackerson. “Our goal was 15 boxes, so we nearly doubled our goal. I would say it was a good success and turned out well.”
A drop-off table was set up in the high school lobby, and students and faculty could leave their donations there. The drive was held Nov. 16-20, and then Ackerson delivered the shoeboxes to the Presque Isle Wesleyan Church, which shipped them to Samaritan’s Purse. People who filled a box were also asked to include $7 to help cover shipping expenses.
“We had a little incentive this year,” said Ackerson. “The first 15 boxes that were brought in, the Student Council would cover the shipping costs. I think that helped; a lot of people were asking how many boxes we had so they could plan accordingly.”
Shoeboxes were filled with everything from school supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, stuffed animals, small toys and candy. Ackerson and bookkeeper Lee Lyons wrapped any box that wasn’t previously wrapped with colorful Christmas paper.
Ackerson said he was happy to carry on the Student Council tradition that was started by Erin Thomas in 2007.
“The kids in these Third World countries don’t really get much for Christmas,” he said. “In fact, this box is usually their only gift that they’ll get.
“It feels good to be able to make a difference in a child’s life that – although we might not know them or ever have any contact with them – will be influenced by this and affected by other kids’ kindness in another country,” said Ackerson. “It’s a nice thing to know and gives me a good feeling.”
Countries that have received Operation Christmas Child packages in the past include Ethiopia, Sudan, Costa Rica, Brazil, Mongolia, Russia, New Zealand and the Ukraine.
For more information on Operation Christmas Child, log on to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/.
Students fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – For the third consecutive year, children in underdeveloped countries will receive Christmas presents thanks – in part – to students at Presque Isle High School.
