Donation boxes for Operation Christmas Child are appearing on campus in Battle Creek this month in the lead up to a student-led packing event scheduled for October.
Second-year Dental Hygiene student Brittney Barnett is spearheading the event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at a location yet to be determined on KCC’s campus at 450 North Ave. in Battle Creek.
Barnett describes OCC as “an organization that allows people to give to children in need and spread the love of Jesus.”
Barnett was inspired to organize this event from previous “packing parties” – as called by the organization itself – that she participated in at her church in Mississippi. She was able to get her son’s school involved and decided to bring it to KCC.
Barnett said the event is intended to bring students and the Battle Creek community together to give. Students will be helping pull the event together, with Barnett taking some advice from KCC Student Life Manager Drew Hutchinson.
“I want my children to see me giving so they have a good heart and want to give,” Barnett said. “I think it’s so important to want to give.”
Individuals interested in participating in the packing event should contact Barnett at k0283435@kellogg.edu. In the meantime, one way students can help is by donating items through the donation boxes stationed around campus.
Donation boxes can be found in the Academic Advising, KCC Foundation, Math and Science, Police Academy, Service-Learning and Student Life office areas, as well as in the Hub and at The Bridge. Items sought for donation include toys (except war-related items), clothing and accessories, personal care items, crafts and school supplies.
Individuals are asked not to donate items that are perishable, like candy or other food items.
Barnett said she’s thankful in advance for the support.
“I greatly appreciate all the help people are able to provide,” she said.
