Redbird Softball Volunteers with Operation Christmas Child

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State softball team got in the holiday spirit a little early this year by volunteering with Operation Christmas Child. 

The Redbirds wrapped over 100 shoeboxes for the organization to be filled with gifts for children in need all across the world. 

"The kindness and generosity of Illinois State softball, in not just donating your empty boxes but in spending time wrapping them, will make a difference in the lives of the 100 children who receive the decorated boxes, and likely in the lives of those around them as well," coordinators of Operation Christmas Child, Maria and Eric Boerngen said.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan's Purse that focuses on bringing joy and hope to children all over the world. The wrapped shoeboxes are filled with small items such as school supplies, hygiene items, toys, and clothing, then are sent to children across the globe.

The Redbirds worked with the local drop-off site in Mattoon, Illinois which is one of hundreds in the United States. The wrapped boxes are sent to one of eight processing centers in the U.S. before traveling by any means necessary to get to children.

"From the bottom of our hearts we once again thank the Redbirds very much for their help with Operation Christmas Child," Maria and Eric Boerngen said.

In the past 20 years, over 100 million shoeboxes have been delivered worldwide to bring joy to a child's face through the colorfully wrapped boxes.

Operation Christmas Child begins its national collection week today, Nov. 14, until Nov. 21. For more information about Operation Christmas Child, please click here.

To full the full slide show, please click here. 

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