Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. Every day boys and girls worldwide suffer from war, poverty, disease, famine, and natural disaster. OCC makes it possible for millions of these children to experience God’s love through shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. These shoebox gifts open doors to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way for presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ to needy children.

Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has partnered with local churches around the world to deliver 200 million OCC shoebox gifts to children in need in over 170 countries and territories. A portion of those shoeboxes came through Redland’s doors last year! Take part in this unique opportunity to volunteer with OCC this year!

Now is a great time to start purchasing supplies to fill a shoebox gift for Samaritan’s Purse’s OCC. Want to pack a shoebox gift? Here are some suggested items to pack:

• Shoebox: Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. Or pick up a colorful preprinted OCC box, available in both cardboard and plastic.
• Get Your Label: Whichever you choose, use the label to indicate on your shoebox whether it was packed for a boy or girl and which age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–‍14.  
• Include a “Wow” Toy: Choose a quality medium to large item to capture a child’s attention such as a doll or soccer ball with pump.
• Fill with Gifts: Toys (jump rope, marbles, toy car, harmonica), School supplies (pencils, erasers, colored pencils, pens, pencil sharpener, solar calculator), Non-liquid hygiene items (soap with holder, toothbrush with holder, comb, band-aids), Accessories (t-shirt, socks, hair clips/bands, flashlight, sunglasses), Crafts, Include a personal note and photo
• Pray: Most importantly, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17) for the child who will receive your shoebox gift. 
• Donate $10 per Shoebox: A donation of $10 per box is critical to cover evangelism materials, shipping, and other project costs. If you use an online option on the OCC Labels page, you can Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your gift. 
• Drop Off: Take your shoebox gift to a local drop-off location (like Redland!) during National Collection Week, November 18–25, 2024. 

Help set up for and/or come Pack Shoeboxes at the Packing Party in the Chapel. There are over 200 boxes to fill — come out and help! All materials provided.

Packing Party Date: November 14 at 7pm in the Chapel
Set-up starts at 1pm

There are several volunteer roles for National Collection Week:
GREETER—First welcomer, directs vehicles, no lifting
HOST—Welcomer, collect data, no lifting
UNLOADER—Lift a reasonable amount of weight, count boxes
CARTONIZER—Lift up to 50lbs, good organizers

Please see the volunteer form at the OCC Foyer Table to sign up for a specific position on a specific date(s)/time(s) during National Collection Week.