Operation Christmas Child needs you

With the holiday season approaching comes a tradition at Lee University, Operation Christmas Child (OCC). The annual “Pack’n’Stack” party, a time to pack shoeboxes for children that are in need all across the world. OCC aims to pack as many boxes as they can with the help of the first-year students at Lee. 

First year students packing shoeboxes in November 2024. File photo.

“My goal this year is to pack more boxes than we did last year, so that we can reach more kids this year,” said Dr. Lorinda Roberts, vice president for Student Success. 

This Lee tradition started in the fall of 1998. Almost 49,000 boxes have been stuffed by LeeU students in its 28 years of participation. This year is expected to be no different, as students offer their help to the Samaritan's Purse organization. But that help starts with you.

OCC feature in 1998 Lee Clarion. File photo.

Roberts, who recently went on a trip  to see the reach of OCC and got to hand out boxes to children.

“I saw the look in the children’s faces as they opened their boxes. It reminded me why we do [Pack’n’Stack] and I believe that there is a greater purpose behind what we are doing, and that is to reach children with the gospel of Christ,” Roberts said.

Students who are in a Gateway class this semester (including a group for first-year transfer students) have individual information provided by their Gateway leaders regarding how this service opportunity will operate. So, show up, wear your finest Christmas pajamas, and help give to those in need this holiday season. OCC is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Walker Arena.