ATLANTA, Georgia – November 19, 2024 – Employees from GMS’ Atlanta office gathered to volunteer for Operation Christmas Child, an annual mission dedicated to bringing joy and essential supplies to children in need across the globe. Through this initiative, volunteers help inspect, organize, and pack shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and necessities that are delivered to children affected by war, poverty, and persecution.
Led by GMS team member Debi Leinart, her group worked alongside other volunteers at one of Operation Christmas Child’s U.S. processing centers to prepare shoeboxes for shipment. During the event, the team inspected shoeboxes for quality, replaced restricted items with approved alternatives, and categorized the boxes by gender and age group to ensure every child receives a thoughtful and appropriate gift.
Leinart shared her personal connection to the mission, saying, “[Samaritan’s Purse is] one of the best organizations I personally have ever seen or worked with. They are extremely efficient and organized and it’s impossible to leave there without having the spirit of Christmas…It really puts things into perspective and it’s an honor and privilege to be able to participate.”
About Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, is a nondenominational Christian mission dedicated to spreading hope and love through the distribution of shoebox gifts. Since its inception in 1993, the program has delivered over 220 million shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. The organization also supports crisis and disaster response, children’s heart and cleft palate programs, and other humanitarian efforts.
Even if you’re not in Atlanta, you can support their efforts by donating your own shoebox gift to Samaritan’s Purse or volunteering and helping them continue to make a positive impact on the community and those in need.
About GMS Cares: GMS Cares is GMS’ philanthropic program that seeks to give back to the communities in which we serve. The program is dedicated to providing meaningful work and spreading compassion through volunteer efforts.