“Hearts That Give, Gifts That Smile: Beta Club’s Operation Christmas Child”
Date Written: November 24, 2025
Article By: Caleb L. Nease
CTLA reached a meaningful milestone this week with the launch of its newest student organization, Beta Club, founded by Mrs. Jones in partnership with students Maria Medrano Valle and Callie Hill. To kick off their mission of leadership, scholarship, and service, the club participated in Operation Christmas Child through four service days hosted by First Baptist Church.
Over the course of the event, students volunteered on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to pack and prepare gift boxes for children in communities experiencing hardship. Each service day offered a unique experience: Saturday’s smaller team of two members got the effort started, Sunday saw the largest turnout with six students sorting and packing items, and Tuesday and Wednesday were led by Callie and Maria, who returned to continue serving.
For many participants, the project became more than simply filling a shoebox. Students described the work as “really good,” “heartwarming,” and “from the bottom of my heart.” They carefully selected items such as toys, hygiene essentials, and tools before the completed boxes were prepared for shipment. Regardless of personal beliefs, students appreciated the project’s core message: spreading kindness without expecting anything in return.
Maria, who joined Beta Club in fifth grade, helped bring the organization to CTLA to create opportunities for students to grow as leaders and serve their community. Both she and Callie reflected that the project deepened their desire to help others and showed how small acts of generosity can create meaningful change.
Operation Christmas Child marks the Beta Club’s first official event, and its success has generated excitement for upcoming projects involving the entire Senior Beta Club. Through teamwork, compassion, and service, the club has taken its first steps toward building a lasting legacy at CTLA.