Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Project has brought joy and hope to children worldwide. People volunteer and pack shoe boxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items sent to kids in need each year. These simple gifts are delivered to children in over 170 countries and territories, often reaching areas affected by poverty, war, or disaster. Over 209 million shoe boxes have been distributed to millions of children and their communities.
The students prayed and soon started packing the boxes for the kids. They had great social time and snacks to eat while packaging the boxes. (which had to be 50 boxes But how do acts of kindness in the community affect people living in it?
Research shows that acts of kindness, like setting up toy boxes, may create a wave of positivity. Nicholas Christakis, a sociologist from Yale University, studied how feelings can spread among people. “Our everyday interactions with others infect them with sweetness or bitterness. We could show that as one became happy or sad, it rippled through the network.” This means that the happiness created by the FCA students could inspire others to also act with kindness and generosity.
In one study, the theory of Lyubomirsky and Layous at the University of California revealed that by performing positive activities, acts of kindness bring greater happiness and less sadness. It strengthens social bonds. For the students, this means that helping others also makes them happier and ties them closer to their surrounding community.
Making a Difference
The boxes packed by the students will bring joy to children who may not get any presents this holiday, bringing smiles and happiness to them this season. Events like these also teach students about empathy and the importance of helping others.
Acts of kindness do not have to be grand gestures but can range from small to big, an important part of the message. They help remind us that helping others isn’t just about what we give; it’s about the relationships we make and the hope we share. The students showed that when people unite to do good, they can do great for their community and the world.
