Operation Christmas Child
SUNDAY SERVE event, November 3, after both worship services
God calls us to “Go therefore and make disciples”. As a church family, we have this opportunity in the form of GO or Gospel Opportunity boxes. The “OCC box” (Operation Christmas Child) tree are boxes available to anyone who would like to take a box home, fill it with things that would make a child feel loved such as school supplies - pencils, crayons, sharpener, maybe a stuffed animal, a toy, socks, wash cloth, puzzle, a note of encouragement, anything you are called to add. Then, return it on Nov. 3 at our Sunday Serve event and we will be sure to get it to the drop off location for you.
What Can I Donate?
We are collecting year round for our packing party each November. Items with a * are needed most. All items should be new. Drop off donations in Fellowship Hall.
Most Needed Items
| Crayons* Notebooks* Water bottles* Markers* |
Wow items* Colored pencils* Soap* Flashlights that use AA batteries* |
Other Items to Donate:
Plastic shoe boxes
Clothes
T-shirts – Shirts without writing are best. English is not the primary language in many of the OCC countries and kids may not even understand what is written on their shirts. There’s also a culture gap.
Shorts, especially those with elastic waistbands so they last and fit longer.
Skirts, especially with elastic waistbands
Hats
Flip Flops/Shoes – These are especially important because shoes help kids who have to walk long distances to get to school or to get water from a well.
Socks – These are key…it gets cold at night even though the days are hot.
Handmade “Pillowcase” Dresses
Bandanas
Gloves/Mittens
Belts
Sundresses
Toys
Coloring Books
Small Cars/Dolls
Trucks
Jump Rope
Paddle ball
Slinkies
Small Stuffed Animal
Dominos/Marbles
Yo-yos
Puzzles
Beach Balls/Balls with pump
Hacky Sack
Small Etch a Sketch
Small instrument/ Kazoo
Craft Kit
Ball and jacks
Checkers
Tic-Tac-Toe
Hygiene Items
Bar soap
Washcloth*
Hand towel
Hair brush/comb
Compact mirror
A few things to note:
- Liquids are not accepted.
- Wet wipes are accepted however because wet wipes do not have enough liquid to spill out into the shoebox so they are OK to include in your gift.
- Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone.
- Toothbrushes can only be accepted if they are in SEALED packing. That means if you buy a five-pack of toothbrushes, please leave them packaged…one child will receive all five. But that’s ok - those toothbrushes may be all the entire family ever has.
School Supplies
Pencils*
Sharpeners*
Pens
Crayons (Crayola brand, others will melt)
Erasers
Markers
Mini Stapler/staples
Ruler
School Scissors
Small journals
Ruler
Watercolors
Pencil Case
Solar calculator
Other Items
Sunglasses
Playing Cards
Small picture books
Activity books
Tote/drawstring bags
Wallets
Cups
Bowls
Spoons
Flashlight with batteries
Tape measure
Waterbottle
Fishing line/ supplies
Compass
Jewelry
Sewing kit
Manicure kit
Don’t forget “Wow” items
Wow items surprise and delight a child. Some great items to include are:
- soccer ball & air pump
- a stuffed animal
- a doll
- a small musical instrument
Please keep in mind the size of a shoebox when making purchases.
NO liquids or candy of any kind including toothpaste.
God has already chosen a child to receive your shoebox. Thank you.
In these uncertain times, children need the hope of Jesus Christ now more than ever. You can build a shoebox gift online to send hope around the world!
— Operation Christmas Child (@OCC_shoeboxes) January 10, 2021
Build your shoebox gifts online today: https://t.co/Qua9A0OWUT
Make it Yourself
Here are some ideas for creating your own shoebox items.
Find more ideas on pinterest