HAGERSTOWN -- Franklin Graham has followed in the path of charity carved by his father, the Rev. Billy Graham. The same could be said for Roy Grove of Hagerstown, who has involved his son and grandsons in the annual Operation Christmas Child drive.
A project of Samaritan's Purse, which Franklin Graham heads up, Operation Christmas Child has been near and dear to Grove since 1999 when he first got involved.
"I heard about it and it sounded like a good idea," Grove said.
The attraction was sparked by Grove's Mennonite background and upbringing. "The Mennonites have big hearts."
So each year before Christmas, Grove arranges for a 53-foot truck trailer to be parked at Solliday Oil, 325 E. Wilson Blvd. in Hagerstown. This year, 8,446 shoeboxes were collected and loaded into 650 larger boxes for shipping -- the truck was full when it pulled out.
"The truck left Hagerstown Nov. 24 for Charlotte, N.C.," Grove said. From there, the gift boxes will be distributed worldwide.