More than 16,200 shoe boxes were shipped last week from Lakewood Baptist Church on Thompson Bridge Road in Gainesville for the annual Operation Christmas Child ministry.
Lakewood is a regional relay center for a number of area churches which contributed toys, personal hygiene items, school supplies, games and clothing to the Samaritan’s Purse mission that sends shoebox gifts to children across the world.
"These shoe boxes filled with gifts and love are vessels to share the gospel of Christ with children and families across the world, said Lakewood’s project coordinator Jim Lee. "Over 60 volunteers packed and loaded three tractor-trailers. We are grateful and blessed."
Samaritan's Purse is an international Christian relief organization founded by Franklin Graham.
