St. Charles school packs Christmas boxes for needy kids

Children around the world can count on having a merry Christmas this year, thanks to the generosity of the children and families of St. Mark's Lutheran Church Preschool in St. Charles.

Families gathered Saturday morning in the church's Fellowship Hall with a goal of packing 250 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, the service project created by Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham.

Preschool Director Linda Culley said the church has been collecting the boxes throughout the year so families could gather Saturday, for the 21st consecutive year, to fill them with warm clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and small toys for less-fortunate children to open on Christmas.

After Saturday's party, the packed shoe boxes will be taken to a drop site in West Chicago and then shipped out all over the world.

"It's truly love in a box," Culley said. "The children really get into the spirit of giving and knowing how much their efforts are appreciated."

Families often get thank-you letters back from the recipients, which they then share on a bulletin board at the school. Church member Allison Willey said she and her family have helped assemble and collect shoe boxes in the past, but Saturday was the first time she and 8-year-old John and 10-year-old Madelin helped pack the boxes with supplies.

"It's a good lesson for my kids to spread some joy during the holiday season and be part of the community," she said. "And they're having a great time."

In between packing boxes, children made crafts, fished for candy canes with candy cane poles and colored holiday pictures.