Operation Christmas Child recipient to speak
Mariya Tatarin is an Operation Christmas Child shoebox recipient from Ukraine.
Mariya Tatarin is an Operation Christmas Child shoebox recipient from Ukraine. When the Soviet Union fell, Ukraine faced dire financial times. Her Christian parents worked hard but struggled to provide for their family of eight. Yet when they least expected it, Tatarin found gift items her family needed inside a shoebox, as well as art supplies that fueled her creativity. Her family moved to the U.S. when she was 12, and three years later, she recognized the red and green shoeboxes when her youth group participated in Operation Christmas Child together.
The 10th annual Ohio East Operation Christmas Child Dinner will be Saturday, Aug. 24 at Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek at noon and 6 p.m. Seating is limited, and reservations are necessary by Aug. 17 by calling Esther Troyer at 330-204-1502 or Malinda Baker at 740-502-0227. Donations will be accepted for the event’s expenses. Additional money received will be given to Operation Christmas Child for The Greatest Journey.
During National Collection Week Nov. 18-25, Samaritan’s Purse will collect gift-filled shoeboxes at more than 4,000 drop-off sites in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information call Brian and Alicia Zaugg, area coordinators, at 330-231-7672.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of the international Christian relief and evangelism organization, Samaritan’s Purse.