Spreading Holiday Cheer Around the World

The Class of 2010 and 2012 Class Councils plan on brightening up the holidays for underprivileged children around the world.

They are participating in Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse and inviting the Holy Cross community to drop off gift-filled shoeboxes in the Hogan Campus Center.

Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe through the program.

This year, organizers of Operation Christmas Child are hoping to reach eight million children in more than 90 countries on six continents. Holy Cross students are helping to meet that goal.

Gbenimah Slopadoe ’10, a political science major, first introduced the program to campus three years ago. The organization holds special meaning for him. Slopadoe first encountered Operation Christmas Child as a refugee in Ghana, where he distributed boxes at an orphanage. Although he is currently participating in the Washington Semester Program, the 2010 and 2012 Class Councils are carrying on his work.

Jenny Learned and Dana Parsons, Class of 2010 community committee cochairs, are working with Ali Doyle, Class of 2012 secretary, to reach out to students, faculty and staff. They are also encouraging resident assistants to get their residence halls involved.

“We are doing this project to reach out beyond our small community at Holy Cross and help children in need,” says Learned. “It’s also a great way to share the Christmas spirit.”

How you can help:

1. Get a standard size shoe box, and, cover the box with Christmas wrapping if possible. 2. Fill the box with “small gifts” that you feel will delight a child. Examples include stationery, toiletries, toys, and candy. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org for examples and more details. Also include a personal note or prayer inside the box. 3. Label the box with the gender and age range of the possible receiver. Age ranges are 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. Stickers will be provided when you turn in your box. 4. Include $7 to defray the cost of shipping. 5. Put a rubber band around the box and drop it off on Nov. 13, 14, 20 & 21 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the kiosk in Hogan Basement.

By Claire Luke ’10