It doesn't take more than a shoebox to celebrate Christmas with children in developing countries around the world.
At least, that's what senior Madonna Lee firmly believes in.
"There is a lot of potential c9 our campus has a lot of resources and individuals have a lot that if they just give a little bit it could all add up," Lee said
In hopes of organizing a large-scale community service project that would involve different groups on campus, Lee initiated campus-wide efforts to solicit support and donations for the Operation Christmas Child project (OCC) run by the Christian international relief group, Samaritan's Purse.
"I actually took part in this project my senior year in high school, but it was a very small event. When I was at the Franklin Graham Festivals this summer, I got reintroduced to it. I [thought] it would be a very fun project where people can be involved in different parts," Lee said.
Since 1990, OCC has been collecting shoeboxes filled with school supplies, toys and hygiene items for underprivileged children around the world. The project has expanded over the years and in the past year, over 7.6 million shoebox gifts were distributed to 95 different countries.
"I think it's a good thing. It's a small gesture for most people but it will probably have a bigger impact on them than what we can probably imagine right now. A lot of kids [in developing countries] have more responsibilities than what some adults take on in this country. Maybe this could be the one day they get the presents, they don't have to think about [responsibilities] and they can play the toys," junior Javi Hartenstine said.
Hartenstine is part of the community service committee in the mentoring assistance peer program and has helped solicit support for OCC.
Coordinated by the Christian a capella group Adoremus, Catholic Community, Hopkins Christian Fellowship, Hopkins Christian Athletes, Gospel Choir, Stepping Stone Ministry and the University Baptist Church, OCC has been soliciting shoeboxes, gifts to fill the boxes, monetary support (suggested donation for each shoebox is $7) and volunteers to wrap these boxes. Students at Hopkins can participate at the shoebox wrapping party on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Glass Pavilion.
"I kind of view it as little bits and pieces, as in all the groups are pitching into this greater vision. This is something that I haven't seen since I've been here. It's pretty awesome that so many groups are coming together and it's something that should happen more often," sophomore Greg Harris, assistant treasurer of the Gospel Choir, said.
While individuals have been encouraged to support this project, each of the coordinating groups has pledged to donate a certain number of shoeboxes.
"Part of social justice as a Christian faith is to correspond to help people locally and globally. This project is a great way to help in a global aspect," junior Shawn Cherian, social justice chair of the Hopkins Christian Fellowship, said.
Originally intending on launching OCC through only one service community group, Lee has come to appreciate the advantages of collaboration. The approaches and directions to solicitation have also evolved as more and more groups joined the effort.
"I have really been able to gain an appreciation for how each group is very different. I came into this planning and wanting to do this not with kind of a set way, but really talking to each member of each group and keeping it open as to how they want to get involved. I am hoping that people will be able to come to the event but also appreciate what can be achieved by still preserving diversity," Lee said.
Although spearheaded by Christian organizations, OCC sees no religious boundaries in reaching out. OCC emphasizes prayer as a part of the shoebox wrapping process, but encourages everyone to help in ways they feel most comfortable.
"I don't see people having a problem with it c9 the person who receives it might not be the same religion. Even though the organization doing the distribution is Christian, the kids is what it's all about. I hope people can see past that," Hartenstine said.
To individuals, OCC may seem like a one-time deal, but organizers this year have been encouraged and inspired to continue the cooperation already achieved.
"I can definitely see it as something in the future. It can only get bigger and better, I'm definitely sure it will keep going," Jackie Sophie, community service chair of the Catholic Community, said.
Christmas might seem too far around the corner in this mid-term season but saving that empty shoebox now could take those greetings to the other side of the globe.
