Around 50 residents gathered Sunday, May 3, at First Free Will Baptist Church to hear a powerful testimony about how a simple shoebox gift can change a life.
The event, hosted as part of Operation Christmas Child, featured guest speaker Lyda Giedd, who shared her personal story of receiving a gift-filled shoebox as a child in Cambodia.
Giedd told attendees about growing up in the aftermath of war and genocide, where extreme poverty and instability shaped her early life. Raised by a single mother who struggled to provide and protect her, Giedd eventually went to live with her uncle’s Christian family, whom she described as a turning point in her childhood.
At age 12, Giedd attended a church outreach event where she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. What may have seemed like a small gesture to others became a life-changing moment for her.
She shared how that simple gift opened the door to hope and faith. Giedd later participated in ‘The Greatest Journey’ discipleship program, where she deepened her understanding of the Gospel and saw its impact on other children in her community.
The event also served as a reminder of the role local residents play in the global mission. Volunteers in Warren have supported Operation Christmas Child for years by packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and personal care items for children in need around the world.
Organizers encouraged attendees to continue that tradition as the project works toward its global goal of reaching 12.8 million children. Since 1993, the initiative, led by Samaritan’s Purse, has collected and distributed more than 244 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 175 countries and territories.
Community members will have another opportunity to participate during National Collection Week, scheduled for Nov. 16–23, when gift-filled shoeboxes can be dropped off at locations across Arkansas.
Participants can also donate $10 per shoebox online through the “Follow Your Box” program to receive a tracking label and learn where their gift is delivered.
The event left many in attendance encouraged and reminded that even the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting global impact.
