Good News ... Box in a Box

BY CAROLYN DRINKARD

If you happen to be in a Dollar General store anywhere near Gallion, Alabama, don’t be surprised if you bump into two smiling women pushing three or four buggies, overflowing with goodies. The ladies are Paula Whitcomb and Karen Lindsey, and in a single day, they can hit a “loop” of 10 different dollar stores, all within a 150-mile radius. They know when these stores have their best bargains and when specific items are reduced. For example, on Nov. 11, Paula and Karen are on the road early because this is the day that Dollar General has the “buy one, get one free” sale for Hot Wheels!

“Once, we bought so many Hot Wheels that our receipt wrapped around my car,” Paula laughed. “The manager took a picture and put it on the store’s website!”

Now why are these two visiting so many dollar stores? Well, Paula Whitcomb and Karen Lindsey are “shoppers” for an amazing ministry unlike any other in this area. They are part of the Shoebox Ministry at Providence Baptist Church in Gallion, Alabama, and both are passionate about the “good news” they must share! In return, they are blessed to witness some incredible acts of compassion and kindness.

“When I am standing in line in the stores,” Paula explained, “people ask what I’m doing, and when I tell them, they hand me money. Once, Mom and I were at Walmart in Gulfport, Mississippi, with two baskets filled with gloves. A lady paid for all of the stuff in those baskets!”

The Shoebox Ministry started years ago, when June Humble and Ann Whitcomb, Paula’s mother, decided to make shoeboxes for needy children. The first year, they sought help from the Providence Baptist Women’s Missionary Union to make six boxes. After that, June Humble shopped year-round for this ministry and stored her goods inside her carport. When Ann’s husband, Paul, built a 12x36 shed for his shop, he agreed to let the ladies use the front part for their shoebox finds. Unfortunately, Paul Whitcomb never got to use his shop, because June and Ann quickly filled it up with their treasures! Their stash of gifts outgrew that first shed, so Paul built them another one. His friends, Rusty and Phillip Godwin, built shelves inside and added a porch to join the two buildings.

Charlene Bell, owner of Badcock & More in Saraland, Alabama, helps the ministry with purchasing items and shipping. The ministry could not ship without her help.

Then, Chuck and Bill Glass provided air conditioning, and Marsha and Rob Vogel bought tables for everyone to use.

Today, the Shoebox Ministry has grown into a loyal group of volunteers who work year-round in the two sheds. They have even named each shed after two of their most devoted members. The first shed is dedicated to Sadie Mearl Whitcomb, who would sit in her chair, unwrap toys from their plastic holders and sort all the goods as they came in. In the second shed, volunteers have erected a sign that reads: “Brenda Kay’s House of Missions,” honoring Brenda Kay Ray, who was known for her untiring work in five different ministries.

Anyone who enters these sheds feels something very special in the air. “You can’t be mad and come in these two houses,” Paula said. “It’s a spiritual experience in here. Every part of this is a ministry. We stop and pray over every box. The whole time I’m packing, I’m thinking of the kids who are going to get this good news.”

Since volunteers work with thousands of pieces, everything must be organized. After the shoppers bring in their goodies, others unpack the bags, clip off tags, screw on parts, put in batteries, place toothbrushes in holders, put things with smaller parts into plastic bags or do whatever is needed before counting, sorting and storing items into labeled containers.

When packing begins, workers fill each box with basic items: a zip-close bag with soap wrapped in a bath cloth, pencils, a sharpener, eraser, toothbrush in a cover, coloring book, crayons, a fork, a stuffed animal, a soccer ball and two strings of beads. Others then add additional items, based on the age and gender of the child receiving that box.

“We all work together,” Rusty Godwin explained. “We just pack the boxes, but God decides where they’ll go!”

The ministry’s decision to use plastic boxes came after watching a video, showing how needy children used their plastic shoeboxes to haul water or rice. Paul Whitcomb was so moved that he donated 1,000 plastic boxes last year and 1,100 this year.

“I am blessed to be the child of two mission-minded individuals who taught us to help others!” Paula Whitcomb proudly stated.

Everyone involved believes that this ministry is guided by higher hands. It was quite by chance that Paula connected with Freddie Reyes, owner of Kole

Ann and Paul Whitcomb are mission-minded and believe in helping others. They donated the two work sheds for this ministry and the plastic boxes that volunteers fill with love.

Mary Boozer, Cudie Hinson and Ann Whitcomb pack boxes. The packers work tirelessly to prepare the 1,100 boxes going out this year.

Imports, who worked with her to get more bulk items at greatly reduced prices. Reyes was so touched by this ministry that now, he contacts Paula when good deals come across his desk.

Last year, Providence Baptist Church sent 1,002 boxes to Operation Christmas Child. This November, they will send 1,100. All involved in the ministry live by faith, believing that whatever is needed will be provided, even the handling costs of the boxes, which usually exceed $9,000.

The Shoebox Ministry is not just a once-a-year project. These dedicated souls work all year to get thousands of articles needed to fill their boxes. Each one is obeying a command given over 2,000 years ago, to take the good news to all nations. As children get their shoeboxes, they also receive the opportunity to enroll in 12 interactive Bible lessons in their own language. Officials estimate that about 85% of the children make a decision to follow Christ.

“That’s why we do this!” Paula explained. “It’s not about us, but about the plan of salvation we’re sending to these children!”

The Shoebox Ministry welcomes visitors to their sheds, and guests are invited to join in and help. No one leaves without feeling both humbled and blessed to have been a part of the journey of faith that these little boxes will take.

Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.” The devoted servants in the small community of Gallion, Alabama, pour their hearts and souls into filling each little box with much more than toys. They also send love and hope, and joy, good news the whole world needs.

Charlotte Webb puts the finishing touches on a box. Basic items go into each box first before the workers add toys that are age and gender appropriate.

Barbara Glass sews hundreds of drawstring bags which will be used to hold cards, LEGOS ® , marbles and many other smaller things. She works all year to get the number needed for the boxes.

This group of volunteers traveled to Mike Godwin’s workshop in Tallahatta Springs to put wheels and axles onto log trucks and other vehicles that Mike and Rusty Godwin had cut out. They also sanded the wood and cut out more pieces. Pictured are Jon Jenkins, Phillip Godwin, Rusty Godwin, Paula Whitcomb, Barbara Glass and Ann Whitcomb.