M.L. Volunteers Participate in Operation Christmas Child with Evangelical Free Church of Meadow Lake

M.L. volunteers help with Operation Christmas Child in Calgary

Ruth and Ken Ness, along with friends Monica and Rob Ens, participated in Operation Christmas Child at a processing centre in Calgary. The initiative, run by Samaritan’s Purse, involves collecting and distributing gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need across various regions.

The Ness’ and Ens’ group traveled to the processing centre on Dec. 8 and 9 to assist with the effort. The current shipment of shoeboxes is being sent to Central America, West Africa, the Philippines and Ukraine. The boxes include items like toys, toothbrushes and school supplies for children in need.

Ken Ness shared that his friends, who moved to Prince Albert from Meadow Lake, had previously lived in the same area. Both couples maintain ties to Meadow Lake. They expressed a willingness to assist with any tasks required at the processing plant, including packing shoeboxes for shipment.

At the end of each day, organizers announced the number of shoeboxes processed by the approximately 200 volunteers. The Ness’ group, working across four shifts, processed 10,500 boxes in their best performance. Volunteers celebrated with loud cheering and clapping when the numbers were announced.

Ken Ness and his wife, who retired four years ago, sought to give back through volunteer and charity work. Their church, the Evangelical Free Church of Meadow Lake, has been collecting shoeboxes for 15 to 20 years. They wanted to understand the distribution process firsthand and decided to participate directly.

The experience was rewarding for the group, who plan to return in the future. Ken emphasized the importance of the cause as a way to spread God’s love globally.

Source: Read the original report