Utah Operation Christmas Child: Costs Drive Participation

Rising costs are increasing the financial strain on Utah churches and volunteers preparing for Operation Christmas Child. The initiative collects shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children in more than 100 countries. National Collection Week is scheduled to run from Nov. 16 to 23.

Karolen Weber, a year-round volunteer in the Salt Lake area, stated that approximately 80 churches in the region participated in the project last year. She noted that this year feels different due to higher prices for essential goods. Many recipient families struggle financially, making the cost of basic items a major hardship.

Weber emphasized that school supplies are a critical component of the boxes. In many of the countries served, children must provide their own materials to attend school. For families with limited income, securing funds for notebooks and pencils can be difficult.

Christy, a speaker for the organization, grew up in the Middle East. She received an Operation Christmas Child box when she was nine years old. She recalled the specific details of a teddy bear included in the package. "I looked at it and I looked at its eyes and I went It has its eyes on straight. You could go anywhere in my country and not find a teddy bear with its eyes on straight," she said.

Christy described her path back to the organization. While dropping off boxes with her family, she mentioned her own history with the program. A volunteer at the drop-off location recognized her connection to the initiative. She now serves as a speaker to explain the impact of the gifts on children in regions affected by poverty, disease, war, and famine.

Local children participate in the drive as well. Josie, a ten-year-old student at Corner Canyon Church in Draper, helped fill a box with supplies. She expressed the desire to share the excitement of receiving a gift with others. "It doesn't mean some of us are higher than others and other ones are lower," Josie said. "We should help everyone."

The drive relies on contributions from churches, schools, and businesses across the state. Volunteers assemble the boxes to ensure they reach children who may receive their first gift through this program. The organization collects the items during the specified November window to prepare for international distribution.