Kiley Wellendorf | News Co-Editor

Student M.O.V.E., a student advisory board to the Office of Civic Engagement at Buena Vista University (BVU), has created an event geared towards children in need during the holiday season. Operation Christmas Child, led by student M.O.V.E. members Krislyn Erickson, Taylor Daniel and Nereyda Manriquez is an event on campus where students are encouraged to select an ornament, separated by age and gender, and then collect gifts to fill a shoebox for a child in need.

“The goal of the event is to share with BVU students that there are underprivileged children around the world that don’t get the opportunity to open a gift at Christmas. Each shoebox is around $7 worth of gifts and we are collecting school supplies, toys, clothing accessories, non-liquid hygiene items,” Erickson said.

Along with donating to those less-fortunate during the holidays, students who donate will have the option of reaching out even further.

“Each student that makes a shoebox for a child, has the opportunity to write the child a personal note about themselves, possibly including a picture and a mail address that the child could write back to,” Erickson said.

Operation Christmas Child will take place in Forum 3 from 4:30-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19th. Student MOVE currently has its members participating in this event as well as those who have liked their Facebook page, “Operation Christmas Child”. All students are encouraged to participate and Student MOVE hopes this will be a great way to get others involved in attending to those in need.

“By donating $7, we are giving a child a bright Christmas and make a difference in a child’s life by letting them know that someone cares,” Erickson said.

Student M.O.V.E. is accepting donations from until Monday, Nov. 24th and will then bring all of the donated items to the First Baptist Church. From there, these items are taken to Minneapolis and then given to those in need around the United States.