November 7, 2011 (Jackson) - As the Christmas season approaches, Belhaven invites faculty, staff, students, and the surrounding community to take part in a worldwide ministry from the Samaritan's Purse called Operation Christmas Child.

This ministry reaches children across the world and provides them with a shoebox full of joy. Put together a shoebox with toys and basic necessities like soap, toothpaste, and school supplies for underprivileged children. Make the shoebox fun, add a photo of yourself or a note of encouragement and love. Not only will the shoebox include basic necessities and toys, but a booklet will be added to each shoebox that will tell them about Jesus, the greatest gift of all.

The Belhaven Leadership Council is responsible for this outreach event and will be collecting boxes between November 14 and 17 at the Cube. The Cube is behind the Student Center and contains the Student Affairs Departments.

This ministry opportunity is a great way to put Belhaven's motto, "to serve and not be served," into action and have a global impact on the world without leaving Mississippi.

Belhaven proudly stands among the select Christian colleges and universities that offer a unique general core curriculum encouraging the development of a personal worldview. The university believes a Christian worldview is a key to preparing men and women academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.

Founded in 1883, Belhaven University now serves over 3,000 students from campuses in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, Chattanooga, Atlanta and online, offering traditional undergraduate degrees, graduate and adult degree programs, and online degree programs.