North Harris College staffer, Vivian Brecher and other members of NHC’s American Association of Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) recently organized a campus-wide donation drive for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child project. The unique project involves filling brightly-wrapped shoeboxes with small age appropriate gift items for less-fortunate boys and girls ages 2 to 14. The shoeboxes are then mailed to children all over the world through the Samaritan’s Purse program.

“I have personally been involved with Operation Christmas Child for the past eight years,” says Brecher. “But, starting four years ago, members of NHC’s AAWCC began searching for a charitable organization to help during the holidays. I thought Operation Christmas Child was a good choice because the college district has a growing focus on international outreach and education.”

According to a letter from Franklin Graham, president of Samaritian’s Purse and son of Billy Graham, an empty shoebox is good for little else except throwing in the trash. But when that shoe box is filled with toys and other small gifts, it becomes a treasure chest that can bring Christmas joy and the love of God to a needy child. Since 1993, the program has delivered more than 24 million shoe boxes to hurting children around the world.

“NHC employees demonstrated immense generousity this year. I want them to realize how much one box of love can change an individual who is virtually living on the edge of life. Some of these children do not know where their next meal is coming from, so you can imagine what a joy it is for them to open up a shoe box of toys, school supplies, toiletry items, picture books, or candy,” says Brecher.

North Harris College is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Blvd., one-half mile south of FM 1960 E, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. Registration for spring 2004 classes is now in progress. The college will be closed for the winter holidays Dec. 20 through Jan. 4, 2004.  For more information, call 281-618-5400 or send e-mail to: [email protected]

North Harris Montgomery Community College District, among the five largest and fastest growing community colleges in Texas, comprises, North Harris College, Kingwood College, Tomball College, Montgomery College, Cy-Fair College, seven satellite centers, and The University Center.
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