Those new dress shoes will look just fine at your Thanksgiving gathering. But that shoebox that cradled those lovely shoes? You know, the one you’re about to break down and toss in the recycling bin? Janice Dreiling would suggest you stop before crushing that box.
Janice’s childhood home was in an impoverished area in Cebu, Philippines. At age 11, she was placed in an orphanage, where she received food, shelter and love, but there were few extravagances.
So when she received her first shoebox gift — which was filled with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and a book — she experienced a moment she says she’ll never forget. The gift came from Operation Christmas Child, an organization that has supplied children in need with essentials, and a bit more, since 1993.
In 2008, Janice and her two siblings were adopted by Tammy and Rich Dreiling of Denver. With the encouragement of her parents, she decided to give back to Operation Christmas Child, which is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief organization.
That shoebox was an amazing gift, Janice says, and one she’s determined to continue. Janice, now 18, gathers family and friends to continue the tradition of packing shoeboxes full of toys and essential items for those in need around the world. Her mother, Tammy, calls Janice a “full-circle story,” because she was helped, and now she reaches out to others.
We spoke with the Valor Christian High School student about the true meaning of thankfulness days before Thanksgiving.
Q: How did you feel receiving your first box when you were in an orphanage?
A: I’d never gotten a real box, like a Christmas present. I was so glad to know that there were people out there who cared about me. I just couldn’t stop smiling when I saw the gifts.
Q: Is it difficult to talk people into joining you in packing boxes for those in need?
A: Even though some people might not understand what it’s like in other countries, you have to try to help them understand without being a critic. It’s simple. When people help you, you help them back. Though I have many friends who help me, it’s sometimes hard to make people understand that.
Q: Was it difficult to move to the United States?
A: At first, I had a hard time connecting with my parents. I prayed, and wanted to relate to them and call them my parents. They were patient, and even when some would get angry, my parents never did. They are my parents now; I know they love me and I am so thankful.
Q: What is in your future?
A: I want to go to college. I want to be in the mission field; I want to be someone who can teach.
Q: How will your family celebrate Thanksgiving?
A: My family invites others to eat dinner and enjoy and hang out. It’s a time to gather and enjoy family and friends.
Q: What will you give thanks for on Thanksgiving?
A: I’m thankful that I was sent to the orphanage. It saved me, and it changed me. I learned to trust people. God gave me a new family. And I’m very thankful that I now have a house. I have shelter. And I have parents who love me.
Gifts for kids collected
What: Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization
Impact: Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has hand-delivered more than 77 million shoebox gifts to needy children in more than 130 countries. Denver residents are expected to contribute more than 32,000 shoebox gifts this year.
To help: National Collection Week for gift-filled shoeboxes ends today, however, shoebox gifts are collected all year at the Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, N.C. Build A Box allows donors to go online and pack a virtual shoebox gift. Information: 303-745-9179 or .
