In early November Construction Club member, Sergio Lescano, was inspired when he heard about Operation Christmas Child and introduced the idea to his fellow club members. Operation Christmas Child provides gifts in shoeboxes to children around the world who have likely never before received a Christmas gift. Each box is filled with around $10.00 worth of items including toys, hygiene products, clothes, and school supplies.
“I thought what a great impact MSU could have contributing to a project like this. It is really easy as a student to get wrapped up in your own world, especially during this time of year with projects and final exams approaching… I thought if my classmates and I came together, we could make a big impact in a small amount of time,” states Sergio.
Sergio was not mistaken as the Construction Club embraced the project with great enthusiasm even though they only had about two weeks to get everything prepared. Members were excited when the word spread through to their classmates on campus, and others also became involved.
“The Accounting Club with the help of Kristen Jones, and the MBA Association with the help of Lanae Flatness, found out about the project and also jumped in to help fill the boxes. The Modern and Classical Language Department even invited members of the Construction Club to speak in some of their classes about the project. Killian Construction Company, in Springfield also heard about the project from Construction Club member, Christine Crocker and filled several boxes as well,” states Sergio.
Dr. Gebken, associate professor in the Technology and Construction Management Department, helped find a place to collect all the boxes and assisted in transporting the filled boxes to the local drop-off location. Thanks to the help of all those involved, the Construction Club was able to collect 125 shoeboxes that are now on their way to be delivered to children in Mexico!