Members of Great Bend’s First United Methodist Church got together Wednesday to turn old T-shirts into jump ropes. The jump ropes will be included in the shoe boxes filled with gifts for this year’s Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse.

Shoe boxes will be filled with items such as small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, hats and gloves to send out in November. Donations are being accepted, said Jann Sherman at the church.

Samaritan’s Purse is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity and has been helping in Jesus’ name since 1970.

According to the organization’s website, prayerfully packed, gift-filled boxes open doors for evangelism across the world. Partners hold child-friendly, fun, and engaging outreach events where they sing, hand out shoeboxes, and present the Gospel

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