Christian Organization on Northwestern’s Campus Will Send Gifts to Children Overseas
Posted on Nov. 20, 2009
The ROCK, a Christian student group at Northwestern Health Sciences University, will send shoeboxes full of toys, clothing and other small gifts overseas to poverty-stricken children. This is the first year that The ROCK has participated in this program, called Operation Christmas Child. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised at the amount of involvement from students, faculty and even the surrounding community,” said Sarah Paveglio, a chiropractic student and president of The ROCK.
“We researched a few different programs and realized that Operation Christmas Child would be the best one,” said chiropractic student Joe Stevens, a member of The ROCK. “We wanted to do something to reach out to the community and get people involved. We also want people to know more about The ROCK and its existence on campus.”
The group set up a table and Christmas tree in the foyer where they handed out shoeboxes to anyone who was interested. Participants could choose whether they wanted to fill a box for a boy or girl. Toys, clothing, blankets, and anything else that fit in the box were encouraged. Filled shoeboxes are currently sitting under the tree and will be accepted until Nov. 22, 2009. Julie Beal
“Many people who donated told me that they enjoyed the experience,” said Paveglio. “They had fun shopping for the gifts with their spouses and families.” The ROCK members expect to send more than 70 boxes of gifts to children in need.
The ROCK is a Christian organization focusing on community service and fellowship. Regular weekly meetings are held on Wednesdays at noon and anyone is welcome to attend. For more information about Operation Christmas Child or The ROCK, contact Paveglio at spaveglio@nwhealth.edu.