Clarksville, Ark.- The University of the Ozarks Student-Athlete Advisory Committee recently volunteered its time and resources to assist in 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.

Each U of O team on campus collected items for the boxes. Student-athletes then gathered and packed 70 boxes for the charity. The U of O Athletic Department has been assisting with the project for four years. Under the direction of head women's soccer coach and senior woman administrator Natalie Dreyer, the athletic department has provided approximately 300 boxes the last four years.

"Operation Christmas Child impacted me because I can help those in impoverished conditions that I'm otherwise not able to physically be there to help," said tennis player TJ Saniseng. "By helping fill shoeboxes, I was able to still contribute to those around the world. The reason I love helping with events like this is because it is heartwarming knowing that there are selfless people willing to contribute to people they don't even know." 

A week after the students packed the boxes, staff members from the U of O Athletic Department loaded the boxes for delivery at Clarksville First Baptist Church.
     
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.