NewsNovember 25, 2024

Bollinger County churches join forces for Operation Christmas Child, packing shoeboxes for those in need. Volunteers from various congregations and local schools contribute to this meaningful tradition.

Standing proudly in front of their Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are, from left, Kayden and Nolan Gaines, Rylee Davis, Obadiah Davis, Kylie and Leah Davis, and Jewell and Jacob Mo
Standing proudly in front of their Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are, from left, Kayden and Nolan Gaines, Rylee Davis, Obadiah Davis, Kylie and Leah Davis, and Jewell and Jacob MoDonna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Church members assist with packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
Church members assist with packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Church members assist with packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
Church members assist with packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Carson Collier of Hickory Grove Baptist chooses socks for his shoebox.
Carson Collier of Hickory Grove Baptist chooses socks for his shoebox. Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Robin Hovis of Hickory Grove Baptist got the opportunity to pack a shoebox for the first time organizing what needed to be inside.
Robin Hovis of Hickory Grove Baptist got the opportunity to pack a shoebox for the first time organizing what needed to be inside. Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Lois Alford of Hickory Grove Baptist Church makes careful decisions about what needs to go in her shoebox.
Lois Alford of Hickory Grove Baptist Church makes careful decisions about what needs to go in her shoebox. Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Chloe Turner of Hickory Grove Baptist gets empty boxes and places labels on them marking if the shoebox is for a boy or girl and the appropriate age.
Chloe Turner of Hickory Grove Baptist gets empty boxes and places labels on them marking if the shoebox is for a boy or girl and the appropriate age. Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Marion Mills supplied and pulled multiple trailer loads filled with Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Mills, who is from Marquand, drove from Hahn Chapel to Fruitland and back home each time he was needed.
Marion Mills supplied and pulled multiple trailer loads filled with Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Mills, who is from Marquand, drove from Hahn Chapel to Fruitland and back home each time he was needed.Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Marion Mills leaves Hahn Chapel near Marble Hill with a trailer filled with shoeboxes.
Marion Mills leaves Hahn Chapel near Marble Hill with a trailer filled with shoeboxes.Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Volunteer Marion Mills of Marquand watches as a trailer is loaded with Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. He drove from Marquand to Hahn Chapel to Fruitland and back home each time he was needed to assist the OCC effort.
Volunteer Marion Mills of Marquand watches as a trailer is loaded with Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. He drove from Marquand to Hahn Chapel to Fruitland and back home each time he was needed to assist the OCC effort.Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor
Calvin Layton delivered the shoebox Monday, Nov. 25, to Hahn Chapel on behalf of Woodland High School's Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Calvin Layton delivered the shoebox Monday, Nov. 25, to Hahn Chapel on behalf of Woodland High School's Fellowship of Christian Athletes.Donna Shell~Banner Press contributor

Local churches in Bollinger County continued an annual tradition of packing shoeboxes as part of Operation Christmas Child.

Dropoff dates for this year were Nov. 18-25. Hahn Chapel General Baptist was one of the area's drop off locations.

Don't miss the news!Get a weekly email with the latest news

"It was a quieter day, since many celebrated a Thanksgiving meal with church family," said Donna Shell in a Sunday Facebook post. "It was such a blessing to accept shoeboxes from Marble Hill Bible Chapel and Harmony Church. Our volunteers ready and willing to help were from Trace Creek Church, Harmony Church, Grace Fellowship and Marble Hill First Baptist.

“The kids were such a help from putting the boxes together, carrying them to tables, prepping soaps and packing school supplies in bags," said Deborah Poole, project leader at New Salem Baptist Church. "Love all their help!”

The final day for dropoffs at Hahn Chapel was Monday, Nov. 25. Organizers were excited to received a packed shoebox on the final day from Woodland High School's Fellowship of Christian Athletes group.

Don't miss the news!Get a weekly email with the latest news