Barbers Hill celebrates 20 years of spreading joy with Operation Christmas Child

For two decades, Barbers Hill Independent School District has embraced the holiday spirit by participating in Operation Christmas Child, a global initiative of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in need around the world. This year was no exception, as students, staff, and volunteers came together to pack nearly 400 shoeboxes, continuing a tradition of giving and compassion.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has brought joy to over 220 million children across 170 countries and territories. Each shoebox, filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items, is more than just a gift; it’s often the first present many children have ever received and a tangible expression of God’s love.

Karen Webb, a retired Barbers Hill teacher and director of Operation Christmas Child at Old River Baptist Church, has been at the heart of the district’s involvement since 2004. Webb started the initiative at Barbers Hill during her teaching years and has remained instrumental in coordinating collections at each campus. Old River Baptist Church serves as the regional hub where the district’s boxes are delivered.

This year’s efforts were a community-wide success. Each campus contributed to the nearly 400 shoeboxes packed:

· High School PALS (Deandra McBride): 21 boxes

· Middle School North FCA (Ashley Conway): 13 boxes

· Middle School South (Courtney Nunez): 95 boxes

· Intermediate North Ambassadors and Honor Society (Haley Thompson and Morgan Fazzino): 78 boxes

· Intermediate South Honor Society (Lisa Stults): 117 boxes

· Barbers Hill Retired Educators: 52 boxes

The project culminated with the Varsity Boys Basketball Team stepping up after the two-day Gulf Coast Classic tournament. On that Sunday, the team spent three hours loading 360 cartons — containing more than 5,000 shoeboxes from across the region—onto the Samaritan’s Purse truck. These cartons are now en route to children around the world, spreading messages of hope and joy just in time for the holidays.

Barbers Hill’s commitment to Operation Christmas Child reflects the district’s values of service, compassion, and community. As Karen Webb looks back on 20 years of partnership, she finds inspiration in the students, staff, and volunteers who ensure the success of this meaningful tradition year after year.

“It’s incredible to see how our community comes together to make a difference in the lives of children worldwide,” Webb said. “These boxes may seem small, but they carry the power to change lives.”