What started just seven years ago with one shoebox, has now taken Bev Katschke to places she never imagined.
Bev became involved with Operation Christmas Child when she felt the need to help out, especially those who are much less fortunate than living in third world countries. That brought her to the idea, to begin filling the shoeboxes with all the essential items the children need. These items include school supplies, toothbrushes, soap, hard candy and perhaps even a doll, ball or toy car. Each box typically costs between $20 to $30, which comes directly out of Katschke's pocket.
Over the years, her involvement with the Samaritans purse program has grown from one filled shoe box to a whopping 400 shoeboxes filled this year. With the growth of the program, Bev has picked up some help along the way. This year both Bev's mother and sister were directly involved in her drive and commitment to fill even more boxes than previous years. The three women purchased and stored items all year round that were used in the gift boxes. They were always on the lookout for bargains to be found, so that they could get even more "bang for their buck."
Three days of 'box packing' parties were hosted聽 by Katschke, her mother and sister. Volunteers joined in on the fun at the Free Methodist Church to undertake the enormous task of packing each separate shoe box and ensuring all the appropriate items were in each one.
"Four hundred hopes, 400 dreams and 400 love blessings packed into 400 shoeboxes! Yay!! Thank you, God," exclaimed Bev.
When asked why Bev has become so passionate about packing the shoeboxes for the children in need who receive them, she credited her trips with Samaritans Purse to 小蓝视频 a life changing moment. Katschke travelled with the organization on two different occasions, the last one seeing her personally handing out the gift boxes to children in Costa Rica last March.
"I have had the wonderful opportunity to go on two OCC shoebox distribution trips with Samaritans Purse,鈥� commented Katschke. 鈥淚t is so fantastic to be a part of the shoebox miracle in action. To witness the joy, the hope, the great happiness that the simple shoebox gift brings to the child, is truly amazing. But to see that same joy, hope and love on the moms, dads and grandparents faces is too heartwarming for words. And to know that the simple shoebox gift can do all this, it truly is one of God's little miracles!"
As the shoeboxes are filled and sent away, Katchske has already begun preparing for next year. She would like everyone to know that the same opportunity to participate in the program and travel abroad is available to anyone who is interested. Katschke considers it a real honor to be a part of something so special and that is why they are so passionate and will always continue to pack them.
