The Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship decided to help overseas children this Christmas by filling shoeboxes with school and personal items.

   The MBSF members decided to use the organization Samaritan's Purse, which sponsored Operation Christmas Child since 1993. Samaritan's Purse asks for items such as school supplies, toys, hygiene items, T-shirts, socks, hard candies and a personal note to the child. They also ask that you do not send items that are war-related, chocolate, liquids, medications, vitamins or breakable items such as glass or aerosol cans.

    The pamphlet for the organization shows how to pack the shoebox gift. The requirements for donations are:

1.      Use an empty standard-sized shoebox or small plastic box. The box is not required to be wrapped but can be if the lid is wrapped separately.

2.      Decide whether the gift will be for a boy or girl, the age group, use the label in the pamphlet to mark these decisions and tape the label to the top of the box.

3.      Donate seven dollars to help cover shipping, handling and other projected costs. Donate by using the envelope in the pamphlet or E-Z Give method online.

4.      Place a rubber band around each closed box and drop off at the nearest Collection Center by mid-November.

   Samaritan's Purse reports, "Millions of boys and girls around the globe live in difficult circumstances and are in desperate need of hope."

   MBSF members said they are excited about this project. Some said projects like these remind them of the “real meaning” and “true spirit” of Christmas.

   “A lot of kids can’t celebrate Christmas like we do and this is a good way to give them Christmas,” said Terri Rogers, senior exercise science major.

   “A lot of kids that gifts go to, their parents can’t provide them with things they need, much less want,” said Tasha Owens, junior exercise science major.

   Children in third-world countries will receive shoeboxes by Christmas. For drop-off locations and specific dates, call 1-800-353-5949 or visit www.SamaritansPurse.org.

   For more information about how to help the MBSF with their project, contact Rob Leonard at 367-5031.