Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.
Every year at Town Creek, individual families fill boxes. We also have a Packing Party where many more boxes are filled during the Lifegroup hour. Now is the time to begin collecting items for your personal OCC box as well as donating items for the group effort. Our goal for the Faith Family packing party is to have enough items for 15 tables or 120 boxes. Currently we need more school supplies. To fill 120 boxes we will need 56 subject notebooks and 78 more pencil sharpeners. During the month of September we have been collecting small toys and stuffed animals. In October we need wash cloths and toothbrushes. Place your items in the OCC collection box provided in the Welcome Center.
Here are some things not to purchase and place in your OCC box: candy; toothpaste, used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; fruit rolls or other fruit stacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow gloves or glass containers; aerosol cans.
Important Dates
- Sunday Oct 8 – Operation Christmas Child Kickoff
- Sunday Nov 5 – OCC Packing Party (these are over and above your personal packed shoe boxes)
- Sunday Nov 12 – Box Dedication
- Nov 13-19 – OCC Collection Week