Multiplying the Loaves and Fish {or OCC Shoeboxes}

{Karen and her mom}

 My friend Karen honored her mother on what would have been her mom's 70th birthday last week.  Her sweet mom, Clara Mae Pierce, passed away in May 2012.  To honor her mother's life and legacy, Karen set a goal to pack 70 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child this year.  Karen previously worked for Samaritan's purse and is a shoebox enthusiast because of the hope it provides the children receiving the boxes.  She is so great at finding bargains all year long and stocking up on shoebox items.  In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she has already found some great items for next year! :)

We were so blessed to be able to pack a few boxes with Karen at her packing party.  

Although Karen set out to pack 70 boxes in honor of what would have been her mom's 70th birthday, she was able pack 140 boxes!  To God be all the Glory for doubling the number of shoeboxes she was able to pack!  Just like God multiplied the loaves and fish so that thousands could eat, He blessed Karen's efforts and she was able to pack more boxes than she had anticipated! You can read about some of her amazing finds HERE!  Her shoebox packing party was so fun and such a neat way to include others in honoring the memory of her mom.

Samaritan's Purse asked Karen to write an article about her packing party and I highly encourage you to read it HERE! You will be blessed to read it and Karen's words tell the story of her heart much better than I can! Really, go read it!