Pastor Matthew Ash and Debbie Bright accepted an award from Rusty and Paula Keplinger on behalf of Parchment Valley Baptist church and their work for Operation Christmas Child. (Photo Provided)

RIPLEY — A Ripley church was recognized for its commitment to helping children around the world receive something special during the holiday season by helping with Operation Christmas Child.

For the past 10 years, Parchment Valley Baptist Church has helped with this effort and recently received an award for its volunteer work last month.

“It’s really a joy working with them because their heart is in this and they’re very consistent and diligent,” said Paula Keplinger, volunteer for Operation Christmas Child in the Parkersburg area.

Parchment Valley was the drop-off location for donations in the Ripley community and worked to pack shoeboxes to take to Parkersburg which were then shipped to Boone, N.C., before they were sent to third world countries all over the world.

“Most of them go to third world countries and places of great need to people who have never heard the gospel so that’s the main thing, spreading the gospel,” said Rusty Keplinger, logistics coordinator for Operation Christmas Child for the Parkersburg area.

Parchment Valley Baptist Church received this award last month for their work towards Operation Christmas Child. (Photo Provided)

National Collection Week took place last month and Parchment Valley accounted for 571 out of the 5,462 shoeboxes that were collected in the Parkersburg area.

Paula Keplinger said in several cases, the children who receive the boxes have never received a gift before.

“It’s a blessing to them. The other thing that’s in the box is a great deal of prayer, which they can’t see but hopefully they can feel,” Rusty Keplinger said. “They need to know somebody loves them.”

Debbie Bright, child drop-off team and project leader, and Pastor Matthew Ash accepted the award during their morning worship.

Donations are always accepted for this effort and preparations can already begin for next year.

“Anyone can pack a shoebox, and it’s never too early to start. Learn how to pack a shoebox, view gift suggestions, and read inspiring stories of the impact of a simple gift at samaritanspurse.org/org.,” Rusty Keplinger said.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.