Instilling Compassion in Kids to Help Kids in Need

When Julia Battle agreed to serve as the coordinator for the Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church Operation Christmas Child program she said yes for two reasons. The first reason was that she believes strongly in the Samaritan’s Purse organization.

“Samaritan's Purse is legitimate and well organized,” Battle said. “There is no question as to where the funds go, and I feel comfortable in that. They help with needs inside the USA and internationally.”

The second and most important reason Battle accepted this role was for the children. This program helps children all over the world.  

“I have always worked with children of many ages, so the fact that it goes to help children pulls at my heart strings,” Battle explained.

But this program does not just help children in need. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) helps children in our community understand that there are children in need, and they can do something to help.

“It is something that is easy to get children excited about,” Battle said. “It is simple and not complicated. You get a shoebox, put things in it, and wrap it up.”

At Christmas time, children often focus on what they want, and forget about the giving side of the holiday. The OCC shoebox is a way for them to think about how they can help and give to children in need. Battle believes this is an important thing for children to think about.

“I give my children a box to fill, and they usually pick their gender and age to give to,” Battle said. “We have fun going to the store and picking stuff out together. I tell them to think about if you had nothing. What would you be excited to open? What would make you happy?” 

Tell us about your experience packing a box for Operation Christmas Child in the comments below?

Battle also works with her girl scouts troop on the OCC program.

“With my girls scout group, it is a way to show privileged children how they have everything they need, and that this may not hold true for the rest of the world,” Battle said. “It instills in them compassion and everything that goes along with helping those in need.”

The learning experience does not have to end once the shoebox is filled. Battle encourages her children and girl scouts to discover where and how their individual shoe box helps children in need.

“Online, you can track and see where your box goes,” Battle explained. “Last year the girl scout troop was surprised to see that even though they sent their boxes in together, they ended up in different countries. It actually turned into a little geography lesson as well.”

Battle encourages all participants to view the touching footage on the Samaritan’s Purse website.

“All of the videos are amazing. There is one that shows the children receiving the boxes, and it makes me cry every time,” Battle said. “And the kids love to watch them to see if they can spot one of their own boxes on the video.”

Whether the shoe boxes are donated by children or adults, Battle is proud to volunteer her time to Operation Christmas Child.

“It is a great program that gives everyone the chance to give,” Battle said. “I am thankful for each and every box that comes in through those church doors.”

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