Operation for success

The 2023 version of McClain County’s Operation Christmas was hailed as a success by veteran volunteer Peggy Christian.

“We had 843 people including 686 kids who got baskets and toys,” Mrs. Christian said. “It takes so many people, so many volunteers to make it happen.”

She named some of the groups and people who volunteer their time and services to assist in this year’s operation.

“We had the Purcell Football Team move toys at the Multi-Purpose Center,” she said. “We had 15 of the honor society kids put baskets together. They also had a food drive.”

Dibble, Wayne, Washington, the 4-H and the Walnut Creek Animal Hospital all had food drives.

Purcell First Baptist Church, Union Hill and the Purcell and Washington FFA Chapters had toy drives. Stealey and ECHO OHCE groups both had food drives, as well.

Purcell Rotary Club members organized donations.

Mrs. Christian said another toy drive was held by the Round Up Club.

“They had a barrel event and the entry fee was toys for Operation Christmas,” she said. “Sunray Baptist Church made pillow cases for us and IBC Bank made a cash donation to cover ham costs.”

Operation Christmas was the beneficiary of the cash raised by McClain Bank employees on their cash for jeans Fridays.

Mrs. Christian noted the first annual Toy Stampede Dinner hosted by First United Bank.

“It was their first year and it was a very big success,” Mrs. Christian said. “Also, every dentist in town donated tooth brushes and tooth paste.

“If I missed anyone, I’m very sorry. We do appreciate everyone’s help because it takes so many people,” Mrs. Christian concluded.