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.
