Giving the gift of Christmas
Operation Christmas Spirit mimics the first Christmas: bringing hope and love to those in humble circumstances.
Mary Haskett
Special to Spur Ottawa
“I saw someone offering a free turkey on Kijiji to a family who couldn’t afford one,” says Meggan Larson. “I thought it was a fantastic thing to do. My husband and I looked at the barely used toys our children had and decided to put together a package of dinner and gifts for a family. Some of our family members and friends joined us and the rest is history!”
Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer right after this initial act of kindness, Larson and her husband were recipients of an outpouring of love and generosity from the Kanata/Stittsville community.
“They rallied around my family and provided us with meals, baked goods, gift cards, diapers, and clothing for our kids,” she says. “To experience the love and kindness of so many strangers was incredible. I really saw them as the hands and feet of Jesus.”
The following year, December 2012, Larson asked friends and people she had met through her own journey whether they would partner with her in a new giving ministry. A hundred people offered to help and Operation Christmas Spirit took off.
In the lead up to Christmas, a call goes out to churches and the community to donate gifts and food for Christmas dinners.
Numerous churches have joined the ministry and even some local businesses, like Stittsville’s Tag Along Toys and Kiddie Kobbler. Operation Christmas Spirit also has a fund raising team, now, that organizes photo shoots and bake sales to help raise money.
Through word of mouth, Larson finds out about families in need, most of whom are reluctant to express their need. As gifts come in, they are sorted according to the needs of local families.
Last year alone, Operation Christmas Spirit provided 84 families with Christmas dinners and packages of gifts. All combined, in the last three years, Operation Christmas Spirit has helped more than 800 people.
“Each gift is labelled, ‘Love Jesus,’” Larson states. “He’s the reason I do this and as long as I run this ministry, every gift will always be from Jesus.”
Similar Articles
A life restored
Ottawa has a number of recovery ministries doing great work with struggling individuals. The stories of how they change lives are a fantastic source of encouragement. Here is James Carpenter’s story […]
The ancient mystery of prayer
Sunday morning. Wincing in pain, my wife groaned while holding a hand over one eye. She had never experienced eye pain like this. I looked closely, but it was neither red, nor inflamed. Still, it hurt fiercely.
Seeing challenges, but seeking God
Martha Marentette’s life changed dramatically in 2014. She was diagnosed with mouth cancer, but her experience is far from the doom and gloom so often heard. Together with her family, she says it was a time to draw nearer to God, living […]
Challenged into freedom
Teen Challenge Canada is opening an addictions treatment centre in the Ottawa Valley, and even before launching the centre is already bearing fruit. “I joined the choir and we took a trip to the Ottawa Valley to raise awareness for this new centre. While on that trip, I came to know the Lord.” […]
Winning souls, street by street
How one young man’s “Damascus Road” experience sparked an evangelism movement in the heart of Ottawa. “By the time Gimba had finished praying four hours had passed. Throughout the next two months he had similar experiences.” […]
Public Bible reading encourages Pembroke believers
Late this spring, a group of about 40 people gathered at the Pembroke Marina. The weather report predicted thunder storms all afternoon, but that did not deter these people. This was a motivated and determined group. The group of believers were continuing a 16-year-old tradition […]
