First Baptist of Waynesville recognized for 10 years of service to children in need

First Baptist Church of Waynesville has been recognized for its service to children in need around the world. For more than 10 years, First Baptist Church has served as a drop-off location for Operation Christmas Child. Each year, the Samaritan’s Purse project delivers millions of gift-filled shoeboxes to children affected by war, disaster, disease, poverty and famine.

Thousands of shoebox gifts packed and donated in Waynesville and Haywood County each year have been collected by volunteers at First Baptist Church. Sherri Houston, logistics coordinator for the Western North Carolina Area Team, presented Faith Woods with a framed plaque for the church’s faithful service to Waynesville and Haywood County as a major drop-off center for Operation Christmas Child. “Operation Christmas Child is excited to honor First Baptist Church for 10 years of dedicated service and support,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.

“Reaching millions of children each year with the Good News and great joy of God’s love would not be possible without these wonderful ministry partners.” However, First Baptist Church will not be serving as an Operation Christmas Child drop-off location this year. But other local drop-off locations will be Bethel Baptist Church in Canton (Bethel community), First Baptist Church in Maggie Valley and Ochre Hill Baptist Church in Sylva.

Participants can find the nearest drop-off location at www.samaritianspurse.org/occ/drop-off-locations and.