Grace Church of Rochester was the drop-off location for shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child in Fulton County. Through the program run by Christian nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse, kids around the world get boxes filled with blankets, school supplies and more. Shown were some of the people helping prepare the boxes at the church on Wednesday, Nov. 20. From left are Parker Knauff, Michelle Knauff, Mark Blackman, Jon Knauff, Kathy Blackman, Shelby Knauff and Kathi Baxter.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — As of Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 20, more than 1,150 shoeboxes full of school supplies, blankets and more sat at Grace Church in Rochester.

They’re to be shipped to kids ages 2-14 around the world for Christmas via Operation Christmas Child.

Started in 1993, the program is run by Christian nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse. Boxes will be shipped to 170 countries through it this year.

Grace Church serves as the drop-off location for all of Fulton County for the program, said Kathy Blackman.

She and her husband Mark Blackman serve as the coordinators for Operation Christmas Child in the county.

The boxes were to be taken to Logansport early this week and will eventually end up in Aurora, Ill. for processing before going around the world.

Along with the boxes, kids will each get Christian storybooks and Bibles. They will also receive workbooks for a 12-week Bible school class.

People were asked to also pay $10 for the shipping of each box, which helps cover the extra items.

Kathy noted some people who attended Grace Church gave money only as they would have a harder time getting items.

“We’ve got almost $400 in shipping that I’ll just send on,” she said.

Kathy and Mark said about 25 churches in the county were bringing in boxes for Operation Christmas Child, with individuals doing so as well.

The couple has volunteered for 17 years with Operation Christmas Child.

“We’ve volunteered mainly because it’s part of fulfilling the Great Commission (of sharing about Jesus’ salvation),” said Mark. “Every shoebox that goes out to a child represents a Gospel opportunity for them to accept Christ as their King and Savior.”

The Blackmans were assisted by several volunteers in getting the boxes ready, including Kathi Baxter, who serves as the local prayer coordinator for the project, leading prayer over the boxes before they go out.

Others helping included Michelle Knauff and her three kids, Jon Knauff, Parker Knauff and Shelby Knauff. They’re from Logansport and attend New Life Alliance Church in that city, where the Fulton County boxes will be going.

Michelle serves as the logistics area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.

“It’s just been great. I love doing this, and it’s been so fun, so fulfilling, and just seeing the joy of the people bringing in their shoeboxes and knowing what kind of good they’re doing has been wonderful,” she said.

To learn more about Operation Christmas Child, people may go to samaritanspurse.org. They may also call the Blackmans at (574) 223-1500.