Clarksville, Ark.-The University of the Ozarks women's soccer team continues to help the underprivileged while exemplifying the institution's core value of service.

The team recently purchased and packaged items for Operation Christmas Child. 

Operation Christmas Child is managed by Samaritan's Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. The Operation Christmas Child project involves packing a shoebox full of toys, hygiene kits, clothing and other needed items for impoverished children around the world.

On November 12, team members purchased items, everything from toys to hygiene kits, at a local Wal-Mart for the charity group. The players were divided into groups and chose a boy or girl to sponsor. After packing the items, Head Coach Natalie Dreyer dropped off a car full of boxes to Clarksville's First Baptist Church.

Senior captain Breanna Aguilar appreciated the opportunity to help.

"It is really fulfilling to me and my teammates," said Aguilar. "One of the core values of the university is service. And as student-athletes, we are encouraged to serve others. It is great that teams and the athletic department can assist in a variety of service projects. I enjoy being active in volunteerism and hope to do more following my collegiate experience. It was a lot of fun to do this with my team."

According to its web site, Samaritan's Purse has been in operation since 1970 and has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The U of O athletic department has assisted with Operation Christmas Child for four Holiday seasons.