TRAVERSE CITY -- Knitting for children across the world, some residents and friends of Glen Eagle retirement home have had Christmas on their mind for a while.
Last Tuesday, the fruit of their labors was gathered and displayed -- hats, mittens, purses, scarves, sweaters and even toys -- in a public space at the Traverse City facility. Also showcased were more than 70 stuffed animals, small books and toys as well as pens, pencils and other school supplies.
All items were donated that day to Diana DeYoung, coordinator for upper northern Michigan region of Operation Christmas Child.
Reaching children from Albania to Zimbabwe, Operation Christmas Child is a volunteer outreach by Samaritan's Purse that since 1993 has compiled and distributed 61 million boxes to children in 100 different countries. Prayers for the young recipient and a personal letter complete each box.
"It's really neat how this touches so many lives, this ministry breaks down so many barriers," said DeYoung about Operation Christmas Child.
For the second year, Glen Eagle resident Lori Urch has transformed donated yarn into warm clothing or accessories for the local Operation Christmas Child effort. This year, nine other Glen Eagle friends or residents helped fill Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, which can include personal care items, toys and school supplies.
"I was about the only knitter we had last year, with two girls from the outside and we had a couple of people donate yarn," Urch said. "I heard about it last year and we had a big display, but there's more this year." After reading a notice in the Traverse City Record-Eagle seeking volunteers for the Glen Eagle knitting team, Sue Johnson of Traverse City called up and pitched in. The sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves and slippers she created for Operation Christmas Child boosted the group effort.
"It's very satisfying, pretty awesome that so many people contributed," she said. "I wish I could see the kids' faces when they get them -- you always get so much more out of it than the recipient."
DeYoung was on hand at Glen Eagle Tuesday morning to thank the volunteers and take their items to place in her growing inventory.
Operation Christmas Child will accept donations of completed shoeboxes, items for shoeboxes and other support all through the month. A national collection week is scheduled for November 17-24 but DeYoung has an earlier date in mind for northern Michigan.
For the past eight years, the longtime volunteer with the program invites the community to join a group shoebox packing party. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the St. Francis High School gym beginning at 9 a.m. The packing will continue until all boxes are filled, usually 3 or 4 in the afternoon.
DeYoung's ambitious goal for this year's party: 5,000 boxes packed.
"People are very blessed when they come, they feel the love that literally is in the room," she said. "That is what box is: love being transferred from one human being to another."
On the receiving end, a child opening a box of gifts -- gathered and packed with love -- from a complete stranger can be life changing.
"They are blown away that somebody that doesn't even know them would give them these gifts," DeYoung said. "The children, they literally feel that love in a tangible way when they receive a shoebox."
For more information on Operation Christmas Child, see the Web site www.samaritanspurse.org and select the Operation Christmas Child option. For more information on the local effort in northern Michigan, call Diana DeYoung at 922-9881 or see the Web site occtcsp.com.
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