As National Volunteer Week occurred, the event was a reminder there are many opportunities right here in Becker to support causes, serve the community and make a difference.
One volunteer effort making an impact here in Becker and around the world is Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse. The project collects shoeboxes—filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys—and delivers them to children in need around the world. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.
The Friedman family of Becker has been organizing large drives for Operation Christmas Child with teenager Adair Friedman spearheading the donations, packing and shipping of hundreds and hundreds of boxes throughout the years.
“The purpose of Operation Christmas Child is to send a message to children that they are loved and not forgotten,” said Regional Director Nicole Sheldon. “Our volunteers can make an eternal impact on a child in need by giving their time and talents to this simple project.”
The Friedmans consist of mom and dad (Chris and Steve), Nick (27), Tanna (25), Teddy (23), Isaiah (21), Parker (20), Adair (18), Kerry (16), Noah, (15), Rainna (13), Alyssa (12) and Johnny (8).
John Kinzer heads up the Central Minnesota Area Team Area Team for Operation Christmas Child.
“I find it a privilege to do all I can to inspire my community to get involved in this project,” said Kinzer. “We know that for many of these children, this shoebox gift is the only gift they have ever received. There is a lot of hurt and darkness in the world, and these gifts bring light and hope.”
“It’s an amazing program and it’s just a little something I can do for kids who don’t have anything,” said Adair.
Each year, millions of children in need in more than 100 countries find hope in a simple shoebox gift, many of whom are affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. In 2016, Operation Christmas Child volunteers made it possible for nearly 11.5 million children to receive a shoebox gift.
This year, Operation Christmas Child hopes to send enough gift-filled shoeboxes to reach another 12 million children, a feat unattainable without the more than nine thousand local volunteers who serve year-round across the country.
Last year, Becker volunteers, families and groups paved the way as part of the Central Minnesota Area Team to collect shoebox gifts for another 12,178 children.
As the project gears up for another year of gift collections, Kinzer and Operation Christmas Child are seeking new year-round volunteers. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities available in the Becker area or to apply, visit the website: samaritanspurse.org/volunteerwithOCC or call 612-359-7025.
