Walla Walla University participated in collecting gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) during the last half of fall quarter. OCC is a nationwide operation that gives gift boxes to children around the world for Christmas.

The collection process was directed by Morgan Sanker, the Volunteer Ministries coordinator and junior communications major.

“Operation Christmas Child provides the opportunity for us to get outside ourselves and invest in our world. As Christians, we are called to love our world. OCC gives each and every one of us the opportunity to do exactly that,” says Sanker.

Contributors filled empty boxes with art supplies, clothing, toys, and personal hygiene items based on gender and age. Boxes were delivered to the chaplain’s office and then taken to an OCC drop station to be shipped to children in India, Mongolia, and Peru.

“Service is not hard,” says Sanker. “Take some time to step outside and share with others. It will make our world and theirs just a bit brighter this year.”

More than $1,000 in cash and 200 boxes were donated this year.

To learn more about Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.org.

Posted Dec. 11, 2015