An Amherst woman is encouraging the community to make a worldwide difference.
Jessica Barnes, 22, has been participating in the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child since she was four years old.
“My dad heard about it, then came up to my brother and I to try it out,” Barnes said. “We got to pick out a coloring book, toy and other items before packing it ourselves.”
As she grew older, she said she became more independently involved in the mission.
“At the time, I thought it was really cool,” Barnes said. “But as the years went on, I realized it was a passion.
“I made my own shoebox with no outside help when I was 15, and now it’s grown to over 200 boxes.”
Currently, Barnes is studying toward a degree in education at Ashland University and working full time in that field.
She said children have always softened her heart.
“Just the knowledge that not every child has what I had growing up, is heartbreaking,” Barnes said. “I don’t mean toys or game stations, but they don’t have toothbrushes or washcloths.
“Knowing that this is happening on this same planet is really hard for me to think about, and I want to do what I can right now to help them.”
Barnes said she collects items and prepares for the donation throughout the year.
“It’s a year-round project,” she said. “I’m starting next year’s boxes now, and we haven’t even packed this year’s boxes yet.”
Barnes said she is hoping the community will rally around the noble cause.
A packing party will take place from 5-8 p.m., Nov. 5, at GrowPoint Church, 780 Cooper Foster Park Road in Amherst, to attempt to pack the hundreds of shoeboxes.
“It’s become a community effort and I never thought it could ever grow this big,” Barnes said. “Seeing everyone join together and want to support this, is such an amazing thing.”
There will be food, raffle prizes and games.
“It can feel like we don’t know our neighbors, and this is an opportunity to really connect and work together in love,” Barnes said. “Families are welcome.”
Barnes said she encourages everyone to participate in the packing party.
“Everyday, we have a chance to be part of a miracle for somebody,” she said. “This is a chance to do it, and I think it’s so important that we don’t pass up on these opportunities.”
