With Christmas right around the corner, the King’s Way office was once again filled with the green and red boxes belonging to Operation Christmas Child. This year, 10th grader Amelia Meyer coordinated with Annemarie Downey, a member of Vancouver Church, to organize the school’s participation in the event. Mrs. Hillstrom explained that to participate, “Individuals/families can either fill a box or donate to the organization with money or items to fill boxes. Individuals or families who want to fill a box will first pick up a box or fill a show box of their own. There are recommended box sizes. Participants need to choose an age range and gender that they’d like to buy gifts and basic supplies for and they go shopping. They fill their box and drop it off. The final step is deciding if they want to also pay the fee for shipping or not. It’s not required, but it’s helpful.” According to Mrs. Hillstrom, Operation Christmas Child was first introduced to King’s Way through a parent who “is one of the OCC coordinators in this area” and “…a big part of our community.”

This year, King’s Way filled over 300 boxes, most of them coming from the elementary and middle school. These boxes will be sent to children who are in need to know the love of God and the joy of Christmas. Amelia Meyer explained that she believes King’s Way participates in this event “because it’s a good cause that shares the beliefs of King’s Way.” There is no doubt that King’s Way believes in the spreading of the Gospel and Love of Christ. Mrs. Hillstrom adds, “Our main goal at King’s Way is to point our students and families to Jesus. Jesus ministered to those he encountered while on earth by meeting needs. Participating with OCC is an incredible opportunity to partner with a Christian organization excellent at pointing those in need to the love of Jesus.” 

Mrs. Bristowe, King’s Way science teacher, says it was something “tangible” we could do. When asked if this program truly impacts lives around the world, Mrs. Bristowe said, “Absolutely.” She explained that when she was young, her family did not have much, and some women in her church would give her and her sister the only presents they got on Christmas day. She says that packing a box for a child gives them the thought that “someone around the world who doesn’t even know me cares enough about me to buy things.” As a school, Mrs. Bristowe points out that we are taught valuable lessons about gratitude. Mrs. Hillstrom agrees saying, “The tears and joy the kids display is life changing and heart warming and an important reminder that we are truly blessed to live in the US and have our needs met everyday.” The Operation Christmas Child program has impacted King’s Way as the school has impacted it. To anyone considering packing a box for next year, Mrs. Hillstrom says: “DO IT! Don’t hesitate. We are blessed to be a blessing. It’s fun and rewarding. And pay the extra to find out what country your box went to. It’s fun!”