CullmanTimes.com - Cullman, Alabama

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October 21, 2012

Jackie Kilpatrick is on a mission for children

By Tiffany Green-Oldacre Special to The Times

Jackie Kilpatrick is on a mission, a mission to help children around the world. She is out to prove one person can make a difference.

Kilpatrick has been collecting shoeboxes filled with goodies for children she doesn't even know for nearly 10 years.

"That's just my calling," she said.

Through Franklin Grahams Operation Christmas Child ministry, millions of children all over the world experience a small gift at Christmas.

Very humble about what she does, Kilpatrick does not want any credit. She gives credit to her church, West Point First Baptist, for helping her throughout the year. Each month, Kilpatrick encourages the congregation to bring certain items to fill the boxes. In August, they brought school supplies. Kilpatrick has even gotten other people in the community involved.

"K-Mart saves shoeboxes for me and I go pick them up weekly," she said.

Last year, the church collected 635 boxes, but Kilpatrick has her goals set higher this year.

"I'm thinking we may have 1,000 this year. That’s my goal."

Throughout the year, Kilpatrick collects items such as toothbrushes, coloring books and stuffed animals. Hitting all the thrift stores and clearance sales, Kilpatrick says she gets the most bang for her buck.

"I find great deals at thrift stores," she said. "I clear out all of the dollar stores in Cullman County. I can't give away all my secrets though."

All ages, from young to old, get involved in the mission project. Kilpatrick started with a group of GAs, a girl’s mission group, and now the Awanas is involved as well as the WMU, the Women's Missionary Union.

"The kids just love to do it," Kilpatrick said. "It's just fun to do."

She even has her own room at the church to store the boxes in, as well as all the items used to fill the boxes. Although she uses a lot of her own money to buy items, she gets much support from the church.

The collections are gathered in November and taken to Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church before heading to Atlanta, then overseas. The church even has a packing party to get all the boxes packed and ready to be shipped. Kilpatrick tries to include a Christmas card in each box.

“These children keep everything, so if they can hold on to a card with the Christmas story, maybe it will make a difference in their life.”

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