Surpasses previous campus-wide record by more than 200 donated boxes
Belmont University has participated in Operation Christmas Child (OCC) for the past four years, an initiative of Samaritan’s Purse and the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind that provides presents to children in need across the world. Faculty, staff, students and alumni have been gathering items for the past few months to pack their own boxes to be delivered worldwide.
Last year, Belmont’s OCC participation served as a celebration for the University’s 125th anniversary, and members of the Belmont community worked together to pack approximately 450 boxes. This year’s efforts resulted in the University’s combined total of 652 donated boxes.
Groups and departments across campus participated, encouraging each other in friendly competition to gather the most boxes. The Office of Alumni Relations, among others, hosted a packing party where alumni, staff and students gathered together, bringing their collected items and finalizing their boxes.
Vice President of Spiritual Development Dr. Todd Lake said the opportunity to participate in OCC is one way Belmont can share Christ’s love during the Christmas season. “Children around the world living in poverty can feel forgotten by the wider world,” Lake said. “This is one way to let them know that they are not far from our prayers and active concern. As a Christian community of learning and service, we are always looking for ways to reach out in word and deed to share God’s love. This is a tangible way to join with literally 12 million others to bless children at Christmas.”
