RCS JV Volleyball Team Turns Service Into Global Impact Through Operation Christmas Child

The Riverside Christian School JV Volleyball team poured their hearts into service this season, transforming their annual Operation Christmas Child project into a powerful example of teamwork, generosity, and faith in action. What began as a goal to pack 50 shoeboxes quickly grew into something far more impactful—both locally and globally.

Kicking Off With Purpose

The team’s packing party began with an overview video explaining how Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes bring hope, joy, and love to children around the world. Head Coach Mrs. Sundby then led the players in prayer over the boxes, setting a meaningful and faith-centered tone for the evening ahead.

Surpassing Expectations: 81 Shoeboxes Packed

Once the packing began, the spirit of giving took over. By the end of the event, the team had packed an impressive 81 shoeboxes, far exceeding their original goal of 50. Each box was thoughtfully filled with items such as toys, school supplies, hygiene essentials, and notes of encouragement—gifts that will help brighten the lives of children who may have never received a present before.

A True Community Effort

This project reflected the power of collaboration between students, families, and local partners. Special thanks go to:

• Mrs. Kassa, for organizing and leading the initiative

• JV volleyball families, for their generous donations

• Scheels, for providing a large amount of supplies

• JR Simplot, for a generous $1,000 donation

• Thrivent Action Team, for additional financial support

These contributions allowed the team to expand the project far beyond its original scope.

All 81 shoeboxes were delivered to Hope Church, where they will begin their journey to children in over 100 impoverished countries around the world.

A Legacy of Service

This year’s project builds on a strong foundation of service at Riverside Christian School. Through Mrs. Kassa’s involvement with Thrivent she was able to apply for seed money to support meaningful service projects. Last year, before the JV program existed, middle school volleyball players partnered on a community outreach initiative, filling 25 backpacks with essential items—including hats, gloves, food, first aid supplies, Bibles, and hand-tied blankets—which were distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness. That project involved 13 students, over $1,500 in donated items, and more than 25 service hours.

This year’s Operation Christmas Child effort included donations from Scheels, JR Simplot, and Manke Family Dentistry, with all eight JV players and seven moms participating in donating and packing shoeboxes. In total, the project represented over $2,000 worth of donated items and approximately 55 service hours, including 25 hours contributed directly by the student-athletes. The team also took time to pray over the boxes and personally deliver them to the local collection site.

Living the Mission

Now in her ninth year at Riverside Christian School, Mrs. Kassa takes great pride in helping fulfill the school’s mission to “equip students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, service, and worship.” These student-athletes consistently go above and beyond service requirements, choosing to serve with joyful hearts.

In addition to this project, the entire high school recently packed bags for the Santa Claus Girls, a local organization supporting families in need during the holidays. As part of their Christmas celebration, students will also assemble water filters and solar lights for families in impoverished countries.

The RCS JV Volleyball team’s Operation Christmas Child project is a powerful reminder that even a small school community can make a global impact—sharing not only material blessings, but also faith, hope, and love with children around the world.