By Paige Gurgainers
As preparations begin for another season of sharing hope with children around the world, Operation Christmas Child volunteers from across North Central Louisiana will gather in Minden later this summer for a workshop designed to inspire, educate and expand the ministry’s local impact.
The North Central Louisiana Shoebox Kickoff Workshop will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9:30 a.m. until noon at First Baptist Church in Minden. The free event welcomes churches, schools, community organizations and individuals interested in learning more about Operation Christmas Child and how they can help deliver shoebox gifts to children in need around the world.
“The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world,” said Brenda Teal, North Central Louisiana Area Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child. “Through this workshop, Operation Christmas Child partners with the local church and the local church worldwide to explore ways to pack more shoeboxes that share the Good News of Jesus Christ and help disciple those children and families.”
The workshop will give attendees an inside look at the ministry’s global impact, from packing and collecting shoeboxes to distributing them around the world. Participants will also learn about “The Greatest Journey,” a discipleship program that allows children who receive a shoebox to continue learning about the Gospel. Interactive exhibits and volunteer resources will showcase the many ways individuals and organizations can become involved.
The ministry continues to experience steady growth throughout North Central Louisiana. According to Teal, attendance at the annual workshop has increased from 19 participants to 27 participants, while the region’s shoebox ministry has expanded from reaching 5,586 children to 6,523 children who received both a shoebox gift and the Gospel message in 2025.
“Our Area Team serves six parishes, and we have Church and Community/School Relations volunteers who reach out and support any organization or individual who wants to participate in packing shoeboxes throughout those parishes,” Teal said. “There are also many varied opportunities to contribute through area team volunteer roles. Operation Christmas Child is not tied to any one denomination, but is an outreach of the Samaritan’s Purse ministry.”
Whether someone has packed shoeboxes for years or is simply curious about getting involved, organizers say the workshop is designed to provide practical information, encouragement and new ideas for sharing the ministry with others.
“Our workshop will provide information on how to get connected and highlight exciting, varied avenues to contribute and pack shoeboxes,” Teal said.
Registration is now open for the workshop, and organizers encourage anyone with a heart for serving children around the world to attend and learn how they can help make an eternal impact… one shoebox at a time.
For more information, contact: Brenda D. Teal, North Central Louisiana Area Coordinator, Operation Christmas Child, (318) 663-7508.