Communities across North Carolina, recently ravaged by Hurricane Helene, are not only navigating the arduous journey of recovery but are also finding ways to express compassion and generosity during the holiday season. Specifically, they are engaging with Operation Christmas Child, a cherished initiative under the umbrella of Samaritan’s Purse, an evangelical humanitarian organization. This program encourages Americans to come together and bring happiness to children in distress across the globe through their thoughtful contributions.
Every year, as the holiday season approaches, countless individuals, families, and organizations rally together to fill shoeboxes with essential items such as toiletries, clothing, school supplies, and toys. These boxes are meant for children in various circumstances—those impacted by war, living in poverty, or suffering due to natural disasters. This year, the organization’s goal is ambitious and hopeful: to collect enough packed shoeboxes to reach a staggering 12 million children worldwide.
Since its establishment in 1993, Friday Graham, the President of Samaritan’s Purse, has emphasized the project’s profound impact, revealing that Operation Christmas Child has distributed more than 220 million shoeboxes in over 170 countries and territories. He spoke passionately about the initiative, stating, “This project started with just 11,000 shoeboxes in 1993, and this year we hope to reach 12 million children around the world with the hope of Jesus Christ. This is only something God could do, and we give Him the glory for each and every one of these Gospel opportunities.”
The organization has a well-established presence in Boone, North Carolina, where its operations have faced significant challenges following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. As part of their recovery efforts, Samaritan’s Purse has been actively distributing vital resources including heaters, generators, blankets, and winter supplies to those affected by the storm. Furthermore, they undertook a monumental airlift operation, claiming the largest civilian airlift in U.S. history, with 358 missions undertaken to provide relief for victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
As Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc, it also destroyed thousands of shoeboxes that had been meticulously prepared for children in North Carolina. Despite these setbacks, the resilience of the local communities has shone through. Families, schools, and churches have remained steadfast in their mission to pack shoeboxes and extend the joy of Christmas to children in need.
One notable example comes from a church in the North Carolina mountains, attended by Rev. Graham himself, where youth groups had prepared shoeboxes that were fortuitously moved to safety just before flooding struck. Rev. Graham lauded the community’s spirit, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like the people here. They’ve lost so much, but they continue giving the gift of hope to children around the world.”
Further demonstrating this commitment, Cherry and Mark Brumbelow from Texas traveled to North Carolina to support and uplift communities experiencing hardships similar to those they encountered during Hurricane Harvey. Despite their small church of only 55 members, they have impressively packed 15,000 shoeboxes this season, sending over 1,400 of those to storm-impacted areas.
Local churches like Lake Lure Baptist Church, which itself experienced flooding from Hurricane Helene, have emerged as community pillars. Lynda Poe, who leads the Operation Christmas Child drop-off team, recounted an extraordinary survival story from a church member who managed to escape rising floodwaters miraculously.
In addition to their contributions to Operation Christmas Child, churches such as Spruce Pine First Baptist Church are stepping up to provide comprehensive community support. They have served over 40,000 meals to victims, while also functioning as a drop-off site for shoeboxes meant for children in need.
As the holiday season draws near, the spirit of generosity and community resilience shines brightly amidst the challenges. With continued dedication to the mission of Operation Christmas Child, these individuals and families are not only rebuilding their lives but also spreading joy and hope globally. Jasmine, a contributing writer at Fox News Digital, encapsulates the determination of these communities, highlighting their ability to transform adversity into compassion.
