Greentown United Methodist Church hosts painting fundraiser for Operation Christmas Child

Eighteen people joined artist Christa Moore for a fun and creative painting class Oct. 4 at Greentown United Methodist Church, 3088 State St. NW, to support the church’s Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry.

Participants painted a fall-themed acrylic design titled “Fall Pumpkins” on 16-by-20-inch stretched canvases. Each artist could personalize their pumpkins with colors of their choice or follow the original design.

All proceeds from the event benefit the church’s Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry. Packing for the shoeboxes will take place Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon and Oct. 19 beginning at 1 p.m. The decorated boxes and gifts are ready, and volunteers are invited to help with the packing.

Operation Christmas Child collects and delivers shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items to children around the world, especially those in impoverished or hard-to-reach areas. The project provides a simple way to bless children and share the love of Christ.

This outreach has been sending shoeboxes worldwide since 1993, with more than 209 million children in over 170 countries having received one. For many, the shoebox is their first-ever gift and a tangible expression of God’s love.

For more information or to help, call the church office at 330-499-3985 or 330-354-4765.