- December 4, 2025
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Miguel Cosme, left, and Greg Barrieau work together to pick items for the shoeboxes.
Heather Fabretti, back, and Gail Persan worked together to pack the perfect shoebox.
Once the shoeboxes are filled, the packing team of Malcolm Shabazz, left, Jennifer Raimo, Todd Sorrow, Ron Marlow and Rex Straw fills the large boxes to go to Samaritan’s Purse for distribution all over the world.
Denise and Ella Guiliani represented American Heritage Girls Troop 1556 at the shoebox-packing event.
Maria White, left, blesses two boxes about to be packed by Carson Fess, Kimberly Fess and Logan Fess.
Carson Fess chooses the perfect car to go in the box he packs.
Juliana Noorland, left, and Darby Floyd of Brownie Troop 1374 turn in their packed boxes.
Lori Shalow, left, picks out a stuffed animal to go in the box, held by Thalia Gutierrez.
Arlin Peralta, left, and Alexander Peralta were among the volunteers who packed shoeboxes Saturday.
Two-and-a-half-year-old Conrad Weldy presents the shoebox he and his father packed.
Lift Disability Network joined First Baptist Church Windermere on Nov. 5 to pack 1,074 shoeboxes through a partnership with Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child. Church and community members also participated, bringing the total to about 275. Boxes were packed with crayons, small toys, stuffed animals and other children’s playthings.
The event gave adults, children and families with disabilities the opportunity to give back to others.
“I believe it is important for people with disabilities to be a part of the fabric of our community,” said Jim Hukill, executive director of Lift Disability Network and event organizer. “Contributing gives them this opportunity to be equal to everyone else. Additionally, contributing builds one's self-esteem. When someone invests, they feel like they have something to give. When you have something to give, then it brings value to yourself.
“We have discovered over years of working with people that when they start on their journey toward wholeness, they want to find a way to contribute,” he said. “People with disabilities have a lot to give to our community, and Lift Disability Network strives to give them a chance to prove that through the GiveBack event.”
Participants wrote letters of encouragement and drew pictures to be included in each shoebox.
Lift Disability Network is a Christian nonprofit organization committed to “Elevating Life in the Disability Family.” Operation Christmas Child is a Christian non-profit ministry that shares joy, hope and God’s love with children around the world.
Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].
