On Tues., Nov. 19, the Concordia Cares team transformed the CSLD patio into a hub of service and celebration with their annual Operation Christmas Child packing party. Students gathered at 8:30 p.m. to listen to Christmas music, decorate Christmas cookies and fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children all around the world. The event was a testament to Concordia’s commitment to service, joyfully combining the Christmas spirit with the mission of giving back.

The event’s atmosphere was lively and festive, with students decorating cookies, mingling and thoughtfully selecting items for the gift boxes. For Leah Sugita, a senior studying chemistry and a member of the Concordia Cares team, this sense of community was one of the best parts about the event. Sugita loved experiencing, “The joy of everyone coming together, and packing [the boxes] together and just feeling the Christmas spirit.” Sugita also shared how special it is that the boxes they were packing, “are going to go out to kids that don't normally get presents. It's going to be life changing, honestly, for them.”

This night of service meant so many different things for different students. For Abigail ​​Morizini, a sophomore studying psychology, her participation was rooted in an old family tradition. “My grandma introduced me [to Operation Christmas Child] when I was little. All the cousins would go to her house and pack boxes and help shop sometimes,” ​​Morizini shared. 

It’s amazing to see students be part of something bigger than themselves and see them continue their traditions, even away from home. 

Dylan Winroad, a sophomore majoring in sports business, added gospel tracts to the boxes that he packed, sharing faith alongside the gifts. And Rider Natsuk, a junior majoring in marketing, reminisced about how much he would have enjoyed receiving a small sheriff’s badge as a child, while others noted the popularity of items like scrunchies, notebooks and squishy toys.

The night held deeper meaning for some attendees such as Alanisa Fauci, a freshman majoring in biology. She shared her personal connection to the event and said “I’ve been in a position where I didn’t receive gifts before, so it’s pretty cool that our school gives gifts to other kids.” Fauci went on to say, “I think the best gift of Christmas is giving... I think that's a powerful thing.”

Danny Mendoza, a member of the Concordia Cares Team and a junior studying biology, shared that it is important to not only give back “to our community [but also] give back to others outside of Concordia.” MJ Gomez, another member of the Concordia Cares Team and a sophomore studying business marketing, echoed these sentiments, by saying she hopes “people walk away feeling fulfilled” and motivated others to give back more in the future. 

As the night wound down, Dylan Winroad summed up the sentiment of many attendees: “It’s a great time, and it’s all for a good cause. What better way to spend a Tuesday night?” 

The Concordia students had packed approximately 200 shoeboxes—each filled with carefully selected items and a spirit of generosity. These gifts will be shipped around the world, bringing smiles and hope to children in need. Operation Christmas Child is just one of many initiatives by Concordia Cares. Leah Sugita hinted at upcoming projects, including an Earth Week celebration and a popular kayak cleanup event.

Tags: community

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