Zoar volunteers pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

1,200-plus!

Something special happens whenever a community comes together for a cause bigger than itself. During the weekend of Nov. 15, Deltaville’s Zoar Baptist Church church family partnered with community volunteers to assemble an incredible 1,203 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, the annual outreach program sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse.

During three days of packing, Zoar became a hub for generosity, laughter and teamwork. Church members were joined by friends, neighbors, children and youth. The energy in Zoar’s fellowship hall was contagious as families gathered around tables piled high with toys, school supplies, and toiletries. Little hands carefully tucked in crayons, school supplies, toys and stuffed animals, while adults packed boxes for older children, including toys, clothing, sewing supplies for girls and soccer balls for boys.

“The support from our congregation and the community was just amazing,” said organizer Cynthia Hodges. “We saw grandparents working right beside grandchildren filling shoeboxes, along with new friends who showed up just to help out. Everyone had a part to play.”