Union packs over 100 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

Maisie Nelson • December 18, 2024

A group of smiling Union students holding shopping lists in a store parking lot.

Union students join the UCU Cultural Events Committee in selecting gifts for Operation Christmas Child

Union Commonwealth University recently came together in a spirit of service to pack 100 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a global initiative of Samaritan’s Purse that provides gifts to children in need around the world.

The effort began when Charlotte and Michael Mitchell, regional leaders for Operation Christmas Child, approached Union’s Interim President Dr. DJ Washington and Dean of Students Stephanie Smith during the Daniel Boone Festival parade. Charlotte, who serves as the Church Relations Coordinator for the Cumberland Valley KY area and Drop-Off Team Leader for the Knox County shoebox collection site, shared details about the program and invited Union to participate.

“It was really a no-brainer,” said Makynzie Miller, Director of Campus Life. “Union is rooted in service and always looking for ways to make an impact.”

Following the parade, Miller coordinated with Charlotte to schedule a packing party and rallied the campus community to contribute. Donations poured in from faculty and staff, while Union’s Cultural Events Committee led a student shopping trip, spending over $750 to purchase hygiene products, school supplies, and toys for the shoeboxes. The Student Government Association (SGA) also went above and beyond, allocating $2,100 for additional items.

Makynzie Miller and members of the swim team pack toys into gift boxes.

During the packing party, held on campus, a cross-section of Union’s community — including SGA officers, Common Partners students, student development staff, Dr. Washington, and Charlotte and Michael Mitchell — worked together to fill 100 shoeboxes with care. The tightly packed boxes were delivered to the Knox Baptist Association in Gray, KY, which serves as a regional drop-off site. Leftover items were also donated to be used in additional shoeboxes.

[PHOTO: Makynzie Miller packs boxes alongside members of the swim team.]

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered over 220 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries and territories. Each box is filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, offering children not only their first tangible gift but also a demonstration of God’s love. Tens of thousands of volunteers partner with Samaritan’s Purse to present these gifts during festive outreach events that share the Gospel message.

“Union’s efforts this year reflect its mission of service and community engagement, reminding everyone that even small acts of kindness can make a global impact,” added Miller.

Union Commonwealth University’s baseball team has also been an active supporter of Operation Christmas Child. Although independent from the university’s campus-wide project, every player and coach contributes by filling at least one shoebox.

Additionally, the team assists at East Barbourville Baptist Church, where players help younger children fill boxes, write letters, and pray over the gifts. When the collection season arrives, the Butler and Lewis families volunteer as an Operation Christmas Child drop location at the Knox Association of Baptist building in Gray, KY. Clay Butler, Interim Executive Director of Athletics, and Christ Lewis, Head Baseball Coach, along with their families, dedicate an evening to preparing shoeboxes for shipment to the processing center in North Carolina.

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Students shopping for supplies to fill boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

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SGA Officers Kassidy Koogler & Allie Williams at the packing party.

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Dr. Washington works alongside students to stuff shoeboxes.

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