Shoebox recipient to speak at Operation Christmas Child dinner
Mariya Tatarin
Since 2013 the local area has packed and shipped more than a quarter of a million (265,643 to be exact) shoeboxes to children around the world. Mariya Tatarin was a shoebox recipient from Ukraine. When the Soviet Union fell, Ukraine faced dire financial times. Her Christian parents worked hard, but struggled to provide for their family of eight. Yet when they least expected it, Mariya found inside a shoebox, gift items that her family needed as well as art supplies that fueled her creativity. Her family moved to the U.S. when she was 12-years-old and three years later, she recognized the red-and-green shoeboxes when her youth group participated in Operation Christmas Child together.
Come hear how God used a shoebox gift in a special way in her life at the annual Ohio East Operation Christmas Child Celebration Dinner at Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek, Saturday, Sept. 24. There are two times to choose from, noon and 6 p.m. and it is open to everyone. Seating is limited and reservations are necessary by Sept. 17 by calling Loretta Diveley at 330-874-2351 or Bev Troyer at 330-763-1826. Donations will be accepted for the event’s expenses. Additional money received will be given to Operation Christmas Child for The Greatest Journey.
During National Collection Week (Nov 14-21, 2022), Samaritan’s Purse will collect gift-filled shoeboxes at more than 4,000 drop-off sites in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information call Lynette Mahaffey, OCC Area Coordinator at 330-204-7244. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of the international Christian relief and evangelism organization, Samaritan’s Purse.
Category: Faith
