A Simpson student gave $1,000 to the Operation Christmas Child project this year.

The student, who wished to remain anonymous, said OCC was the right cause to give to.

“I really believe in the cause,” the student said.

OCC is a national charity that sends Christmas presents to children in underprivileged nations, but it’s organized locally by Simpson students.

Usually individuals fill one or two boxes of presents for the organization. The $1,000-donation funded around 65 boxes at $15 per box.

The anonymous student hoped this money really helped the cause.

“There are different things you can do with your money,” the student said. “Some people spend it on themselves, but I’m not that kind of person.”

Junior Mike Stillman, who was in charge of the project, said the group received more than 360 boxes this year. The boxes vary in their monetary value, but Stillman estimates the donations correspond to between $4,000 and $5,000.

To Stillman’s knowledge, this was the most successful OCC project ever in the state of Iowa.

While a small community originated these donations, their effect will be much larger. The boxes go to third-world countries in Africa, Asia and South America.

Stillman was happy about the support on campus.

“I was thrilled with how many people helped and came out to help,” Stillman said.

The anonymous donor said people could give more to charity, but Simpson students are pretty generous.

“I think more people can give a lot,” the student said. “But Simpson students give a lot as students themselves.”

Senior Bethany Cerruto thought the donation was admirable.

“That’s really sweet,” Cerruto said. “I think it is a really generous offer because most of us [complain] that we’re poor.”

Cerruto said if she had an extra $1,000, she’d donate it, too.

According to Stillman, there are only two words that can describe how much this donation helped.

“A lot,” Stillman said.