Drawing attention, charity effort focuses on global mission
STAUNTON – As a way to draw attention to a worldwide Christian charity and outreach program, Mary Wilhelm's idea was unconventional but very much inside-the-box.
Wilhelm walked around in an oversized shoebox at America's Birthday Celebration at Gypsy Hill Park to inform people about a mission of gift and gospel.
First Baptist Church in Staunton participates in Operation Christmas Child, a project that collects toys, clothes and other items for children in poor countries around the world.
"We fill up shoe boxes with school supplies, clothing items — anything that will fit inside the box," Wilhelm said.
The church partners with Chick-fil-A to sell food and collect box-stuffers and money for the project. Each year, local church members join others around the country in Charlotte for a week in November to fill the boxes for shipping.
After the kids get shoeboxes, they get a Bible study, said local organizer Sharon Flory.
Wilhelm shoe-boxed herself in with her costume. "I can't take very big steps," she said.