MMA Advisory Group Prepares Operation Christmas Child Boxes

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) cadets in Peggy Reynard’s advisory group are embracing the spirit of giving this holiday season by preparing Operation Christmas Child boxes. The care packages will be distributed to children in need around the world.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, is a global initiative that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need around the world. These boxes often include toys, school supplies, hygiene items and personal notes of encouragement. The program aims to spread joy and hope to children affected by poverty, war or disaster, demonstrating the spirit of giving while sharing a message of love and compassion. Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has distributed millions of shoeboxes to children in over 100 countries.

The following cadets participated in preparing care packages:

• Aidan Maristany-Diaz
• Marcus Miller
• Gihana Nziza
• Tiago Ruas
• Henry Westerman

For their efforts, each cadet will earn two community service hours. Annually, MMA cadets contribute roughly 8,000 hours of service to their community, cultivating a spirit of selflessness and an early understanding of philanthropy.

The completed boxes were collected at Centennial Baptist Church and transported to Jefferson City on November 25, where they began their journey to reach children globally. 

This marks the second consecutive year Reynard’s advisory group has participated in this meaningful initiative.