November 25, 2025
East Texas Baptist University participated in its tenth annual Operation Christmas Child, an outreach program organized by Samaritan’s Purse. This ministry involves filling festive shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and other items sent to children worldwide as Christmas gifts and tangible reminders of God’s love for them. This year, ETBU also served as a designated drop-off location, inviting the community surrounding the University to join in sharing joy and hope with the world.
Operation Christmas Child is a treasured tradition on campus, as students, faculty, and staff unite to shop, pack, and pray for children and families who will receive the gifts. Volunteers carefully select toys, clothing, and necessities for children aged two to 14, ensuring each shoebox contains thoughtful and meaningful gifts.
“I am so proud of our Tiger students as they continue to show their servant hearts every day,” Senior Vice President for Campus Life Ryan Erwin said. “These gifts will serve as an avenue for children worldwide to hear the story of Jesus’ birth and the true meaning of Christmas.”
During National Collection Week, November 17-24, all 27 of ETBU’s athletic teams and various student groups and organizations come together to pack the boxes. The packing events provide an opportunity to foster fellowship and a deeper connection among the ETBU community.
“This was my first time participating in Operation Christmas Child, and it was a really cool experience,” sophomore cross country track athlete Braden Norton said. “Seeing all the ETBU sports teams come together to donate and give back showed me how much our community cares. It was awesome to be part of something bigger than just our own team, and it opened my eyes to how meaningful it is to serve alongside everyone. It definitely brought us closer and reminded us what ETBU is all about.”
The outreach effort has grown each year, with ETBU packing 400 boxes this month. With additional Operation Christmas Child donation from community members, the grand total came to 4,056 boxes collected at ETBU.
“Operation Christmas Child is such an amazing opportunity that ETBU gets to be a part of,” junior cheerleader MaKenna Lockhart said. “I love knowing that I’m giving and helping a child that might not have things otherwise. OCC is one of my favorite ETBU traditions because of the joy that I get knowing a child will receive a box filled just for them with love and blessings. The ability to share the Gospel and plant Jesus’ love through such a simple gesture is huge. Through OCC, one box shared tells one child that Jesus loves them and that is the biggest blessing.”