As of this year, the campus’s commitment to the international non-profit outreach has resulted in the packing nearly 4,000 fullystocked shoeboxes and the raising of $38,000 for shipping costs.
More than a campus-wide effort, the school’s faculty, staff, and club members have been helped by other high schools, and organizations and businesses throughout the San Gabriel Valley, like Carrows and the Olive Garden.
Operation Christmas Child is part of the Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian organization providing aid to people in need around the world. The organization impacts more than 100 countries.
“I think it’s important for us to remember that, globally, there are great needs out there,” said Grayson of the effort. “There’s much more out there than our own day-to-day lives”.
“Since being introduced to this charity in 2010, the number of shoeboxes is always raised. The shoebox gifts have reached children in countries including Nepal, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, South Africa, Madagascar, Philippines and China… I’m inspired thinking of the kids who are happy to receive a box. I like to think it spreads hope. It’s a good way to speak about our faith and encourage people to believe in God”.
Learn more about Operation Christmas Child: www.operationchristmaschild.com
Learn more about Grayson’s progress: www.gofundme.com/gifts-4-kids
