Campus Crusade for Christ is busy gathering donations for children in impoverished countries
BY: LAUREN JOHNS
ART & LIFE EDITOR
Operation Christmas Project supplies the bare necessities: toothbrushes, socks, reusable menstrual pads, sewing kits, and even toys: stuffed animals, jump ropes, slinkies, soccer balls, and maracas.
The organization is generally focused on kids in the 5 to 14 age range, but it will accept, say, a 15-year-old.
Students dropped off items in the donation box in the area between Communications North and South from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The last day to donate was November 2nd.
When it comes to the club itself, Kelli Roberts, an advisor, has only recently started off with the CRU here at Meramec and finds the group to be self-sufficient.
“I help out with a few not-so-glamorous behind the scenes stuff, like if they need to run an idea by me or need help getting more items,” said Roberts. “But we have such a great team of leaders that are able to figure out most of it themselves.”
According to Roberts, the process is similar to working at a Food Bank.
The list of accepted donations has changed over the years. Roberts stresses the importance of the recently added menstrual pads.
“When we think about Christmas, we think of toys and fun stuff,” said Roberts. “But not having pads is a real issue. A lot of girls have to miss school due to it or be put all the way in the back of the classroom.”
In addition, Roberts urges everyone to donate, believing even one small item can make a lot of difference.
“It’s easy and not at all costly,” said Roberts. “You can get a toothbrush or toy from the dollar store.”
Last year, CRU packed 103 boxes and hope to reach 200 this year. The Christmas Project as a whole (separate from the club) donated 11 million boxes last year.
Former club leader Alyssa Cheney worked with the organization outside of school. She spent four months selling fudge and raised $4,000 for a trip to the Philippines in 2016. Once there, she was on the front lines, handing out boxes to malnourished children.
“There were kids sleeping in actual coffins and digging through trash for food and bottles to sell,” said Cheney. “I got to see first hand the impact we were making. One little girl wouldn’t stop playing with the maracas I gave her.”
The trip impacted her as well, causing her motivation to skyrocket.
“Before the trip, I was only donating two boxes,” said Cheney. “After, God told me to do 100. So I did, with help from my subdivision and people on campus.100 soon turned into 140. Now, he’s gonna help me do 200.”
According to Cheney, the club is going to have a ‘packing party’ complete with refreshments and balloons on November 9th.
“Each child will receive a box with picture instructions on how to use specific sanitary items,” said Cheney. “I witnessed a child trying to eat the deodorant.”
According to Cheney, the sender of the boxes will remain anonymous, but the children receiving them will understand how God loves them.
“Jesus wasn’t particularly religious; in fact, he was a rebel,” said Roberts. “We are about acceptance and loving one another. You could even be an atheist.”
Cheney agrees with this notion, explaining the club is supportive toward one another and makes sure everyone has the help they need (even outside of the club).
“There’s never been a time I was aware of someone being left out of this support,” said Cheney.
