Operation Toy brings
gifts to people in need
By Barry Sanborn
Associate Pastor, First UMC
The First United Methodist
Church of Joplin hosts an
event called “Operation Toy”
each Christmas to welcome
folks from the surrounding
downtown neighborhood to
come receive new Bibles, toys
and coats for Christmas. This
idea was created in 1999 by
some high school freshmen
at a UMYF gathering and has
grown as a ministry ever since.
“Operation Toy” brings
together volunteers from the
church pre-school, children’s name of Christ.
ministry, men’s ministry, missions team, youth Many volunteers interviewed indicated the
ministry, 55+ Lunch Bunch, music depart- importance of giving folks specific jobs at such
ment and a variety of Sunday School classes events. In addition, strong communication
and small groups to supply Bibles, toys and amongst registration, snack, coat, toy, Bible
coats to more than 1,900 downtown residents. and hospitality volunteers was cited as another
Senior Pastor David Fitzmaurice said “It important factor. Volunteers at “Operation
keeps our eyes open to people who have needs, Toy” were provided with a printed copy of the
reminds us people are unchurched and allows day’s schedule and contact points for check-in
us to display radical hospitality in cold weath- and questions. If new volunteers were not sure
er.” Pastor Fitzmaurice and his team of men how to help, adults and students were ready
greet visitors with a warm smile and hot cup of to assist each person in finding an important
coffee or apple cider. job for the afternoon.
At “Operation Toy” each Christmas, all “Operation Toy” has been a blessing to not
ages serve together for the glory of God. High only the folks in downtown Joplin, but also to
school sophomore Cristian Briceno said “I those volunteering as well. It is truly a joy to
really enjoy helping people” and college student serve and to put the Five Practices in action!
Will Blanchard even filmed the day’s events as For more information call 417-623-2796 or
a way to celebrate folks working together in the e-mail barrysanborn@hotmail.com.
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