Methodist churches increase yearly donation
The Greater Purpose Team Ministries is a charge of six United Methodist churches located in Jefferson, Rices Landing, Fredericktown, Denbo, Howe and Roscoe. The ministry has been supporting the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child since 2010, when they filled 62 boxes. Every year, they have increased the number of gift-filled shoeboxes, which are delivered to more than 146 million children in more than 100 countries.
This year, the six churches worked together to increase their numbers again and packed 305 shoeboxes, which is 23 more than last year.
Those who helped the ministry with the campaign include Lisa King, church relations with Samartian’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, who helped obtain 192 plastic shoeboxes and provided suggestions for things that could be included in future shoeboxes; Christine Hainer, area coordinator with Samartian’s Purse Operation Christmas Child who donated notebooks, loose-leaf paper and sharpeners; and Julie C. Gatrell, coordinator at First Church of the Nazarene, who was given a donation for postage and handling of boxes.
Boxes will be collected through Monday. The Waynesburg-area drop-off location is First Church of the Nazarene, located on Deerfield Lane. For information, call 724-833 3387. For more on Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/the-journey-of-a-shoebox/.