JMC organizes Operation Christmas Child drive

Huntington, Ind.-Huntington University's Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service collected 52 boxes for the 2008 Operation Christmas Child drive, due mostly to group efforts by residence hall floors and athletics teams.

"We had a great turnout," said Holly Harris, a program coordinator for the JMC. "I was very pleased with the amount of participation on campus."

Operation Christmas Child is a program of Samaritan's Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Operation Christmas Child provides impoverished children with clothes, toiletries and toys for the holiday season.

This year, to help students with wrapping costs and to encourage floors to participate, a box wrapping party was held in the Huntington Union Building on Nov. 16.

"Operation Christmas Child provides a great opportunity for our students to give from their own means," said Grace McBrayer, director of first year students and volunteer services. "Often being in college reduces your spare income, but the responsibility of filling a shoebox can be shared with friends."

The JMC has more than 30 programs that serve Huntington and Allen Counties. To become involved, call (260) 356-3696.