TMC Softball spreads Christmas cheer

by Vicky Kaniaru

CLEVELAND, Ga. (TMCNews)—”I feel like we forget how blessed we really are and how when we go home, we get all these gifts and these kids, this is all they get. This one box full of things. They will treasure these things forever and it’s just incredible,” said Rebecca Creswell, Truett-McConnell College (TMC) sophomore.

Creswell and fellow TMC softball teammates assembled gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child, an organization affiliated with Samaritan’s Purse. The athletes stuffed shoe boxes with gifts ranging from small toys to candy.

“It is one of our community service projects, and it is something that the girls wanted to do. This was their choice [and] their idea,” said Jenni Shepard, TMC softball coach.

The team watched short videos depicting destitute children, which prompted them to help. TMC softball delivered the boxes to First Baptist Cleveland, and through Samaritan’s Purse the boxes will reach impoverished children around the world.

“I just think it’s really exciting to be able to give someone else the cheer of Christmas,” said pitcher Ashley Davis. “We get to experience it, and just thinking of their faces when they open it up and how these little things … [are] going to make them so happy.”

Shortstop Jordan Yeargin echoed the same sentiment in “seeing the kids’ excitement and the reaction on their face.”

The children will also hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“When they give out their boxes, they also give them a little Bible in their own language,” said Emily Powers, centerfielder. “It’s like a pamphlet, but it’s a Bible that tells them the whole Christmas story and the plan of salvation.”

Most of all, the athletes hope to just spread the love of Christ. “When we give to others, [we] show the love of Jesus Christ,” said left fielder Courtney Lyons. “And especially to kids who can’t afford anything. We can help give them a good Christmas.”

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Vicky Kaniaru is senior staff writer at Truett-McConnell College.

 

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