Greentown Methodist Church packs record 500 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

The weekend of Oct. 18-19 was shoebox-packing time at Greentown United Methodist Church, 3088 State St. NW, Greentown. Volunteers filled more than 500 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child — the most ever packed by the church.

About 65 people from the church and community joined the effort, organizing gifts, packing boxes for boys and girls ages 2 to 14, and enjoying food, games and Christmas music. Instructions were provided to help the process run smoothly, and all materials were supplied for participants.

Ohio Rep. Scott Oelslager, District 48, returned for a second year to help pack boxes after previously writing a letter of appreciation for the church’s efforts. “I like to see what is happening in the area and the missions that are being conducted for good,” Oelslager said.

Cathy Moore, who co-led the event with her husband, Calvin, said it was a very successful weekend. “We thank everyone who came out and packed shoeboxes,” she said. “It was neat to see children packing the boxes and learning about missions and helping others.”

Newcomers Chapel in Massillon also sent a group to assist. Local business sponsors included McDonald’s, Mi Casa, Michael’s, New Baltimore, Romeo’s Pizza, SolPie Pizza, and Starkey & Kunkle Attorneys at Law.

The project, led by the Moore family along with Joyce Stine and Milissa Hemminger, began in 1996 when the family packed just three shoeboxes. Today, it has grown into a large community event. Bill and Barb Krall of the Operation Christmas Child Akron/Canton Team, who mentored Greentown Methodist when the project began, also participated.

The shoeboxes will be blessed during an upcoming worship service, where prayers will be offered for the children receiving them and their safe delivery. Past boxes from Greentown have reached countries including Guatemala, Mozambique, Panama, Uganda, and Peru. Letters are included in each box, and the church has received many responses from grateful recipients.

“Not everyone may be able to go to another country as a missionary,” Moore said, “but everyone can help pack shoeboxes.”

Donations are accepted year-round. For more information, call the church at 330-499-3985, Cathy Moore at 330-354-4765, or Joyce Stine at 330-808-1599.