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Red Lion church sends Christmas cheer to children around the world

It’s not Christmas yet but these kids are already packing gifts. They’re part of a Christian youth group at Bethany United Methodist Church in Red L...

It's not Christmas yet but these kids are already packing gifts.

They're part of a Christian youth group at Bethany United Methodist Church in Red Lion -- and what they're doing extends far beyond the commonwealth.

"As I was a kid, I always had a favorite animal, stuffed animal and it was pretty fun to play with so I really hope I can give that to another child," said Ben Gohn.

That simple act of giving will benefit so many children around the world -- thanks to a humanitarian organization called Samaritan's Purse and a program they sponsor called Operation Christmas Child.

"It is a way of reaching out to children in Jesus' name that they will feel the love from different people and churches," said Carol Ann Frock with Bethany United Methodist Church.

And so they're sending some Christmas cheer -- a little early -- packing shoeboxes with items like wash cloths, toiletries, school supplies and stationary -- even handmade dresses.

For 9-year-old David Rentzel, it's about giving a young boy like him, the chance to feel like a regular kid. "That another boy from a different country gets to have a toy because I have a lot of toys and he doesn't," David added.

And for 15-year-old Ben Gohn, it's about how something so small can mean so much. "It feels good just to realize that you're going to help someone out this Christmas and you're going to do it out of the kindness of your heart," said Gohn.

All the shoeboxes will be delivered to drop off centers throughout York County and then shipped overseas. If you want to learn more about how you can help, click on the following link: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

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