Local church spearheading Operation Christmas Kids again this year

Evangelical Free Church is spearheading an International Christmas drive that reaches out to children in unfortunate circumstances all over the world.

One of the most beautiful parts of Christmas is seeing the smile on a child's face when presented a gift – a shoebox full of surprises, in this case. Cheryl and Ric McKenzy, along with George Perry, are again leading Operation Christmas Kids at Evangelical Free Church.

"It's a great way to spread the joy of sharing God's love with children in need," Cheryl McKenzy said. "We ask everybody to pray for the kids that receive the boxes."

This drive has been going on for 20 years. Gifts are collected in Scottsbluff and Sidney and then taken to a collection site in Denver to be prepared and shipped out of the country.

Collections are being accepted through Monday, Nov. 24 at the church. People interested in donating a shoebox select either a male or female child, and then pick from a predetermined age group. The church can also offer suggestions for things that can go into the boxes.

"This idea was presented to us about 20 years ago and we just jumped on board," George Perry said. "The recipients are all over the world. The proceeds go to kids that normally have very little. So they're very excited to receive and unwrap a Christmas gift. There just full of joy."

In the past, gifts were sent to places such as Mexico, Haiti and Bosnia. The support of this program has been overwhelming since it's beginning, Perry said.

"Most days, I help my parents pick through the garbage, looking for things we could sell," wrote one 9-year-old recipient from the Philippines named Ralph in a thank-you card. "But that day is a special day. There are gifts waiting for us at school. I hope to get some school supplies. Not only did I receive a gift, but I prayed to receive Christ as my Lord. Knowing God will always love me means everything to me."

The feeling Ralph shares is the message that Evangelical Free Church is trying to pass on to children all over the world, Perry said.

"The message we are trying to send is that God loves all the people, especially the children," Perry said. "This brings children lots of joy. Christmas is about giving and thats what we do here."

Contact the Cheryl or Ric McKenzy at (308) 254-3890 with questions about how or what to donate.