“There aren’t words to describe how rewarding this is, and how special it is to provide a gift to a child that has maybe never received a gift before, ” said Leah Hall, life enrichment director for Kempton of Charleston senior living community.
Leah is referring to Operation Christmas Child, a program in which the residents of Kempton recently participated. An initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child delivers toys, school supplies and hygiene items in festive shoeboxes to children around the world.
This was the third consecutive year the residents have participated in the program, which has a history of being especially meaningful to Leah. “Growing up, I would help my grandmother put shoeboxes together. As a young adult, I hosted shoebox packing parties at my home. I even volunteered at the distribution center in Charlotte. This program is near and dear to my heart,” said Leah. Furthermore, Beverly Anderson, concierge at Kempton of Charleston, and her husband Randy, who serves as pastor there, have participated in the program through Vertical Church for 15 years.
The team at Kempton of Charleston took residents shopping for items on a list provided for the collection. “Then, we set up stations in our theater room. Residents took the items out of their packages and organized them neatly in a bright red and green box like a puzzle. Each box contains similar items: a toothbrush and holder, washcloth, pencil case, pencils, pens, a notebook, a small stuffed animal, and a ‘wow’ gift which is a really nice toy such as a game, craft or puzzle.” Approximately four dozen boxes were assembled.
The boxes were then delivered to local churches which are distributing them to children in Western, NC that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Residents at Kempton of Charleston, who have spent their lives volunteering and helping others, cherish this opportunity during the holiday season. “The residents like to continue to feel like they have done something to make the world a better place,” said Leah.
Kempton of Charleston