Operation Christmas Child
Year Round Missions Project – OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD (OCC)
What if you could help bring the message of Christ and joy to hearts of children all over the world simply by donating items such as toothpaste, washcloths and soap? What if those left over McDonald's toys could be the avenue that opens the heart of a child and was used to lead them to Christ?
Well, they can do just that – Churches, schools and individuals around the world for the past 20 years have been collecting small toys, school supplies, hygiene items and other goodies, packing them in to shoe boxes (and plastic tubs) and donating them to Samaritan's Purse program called "Operation Christmas Child" (OCC). OCC has shipped out over 68 million shoeboxes these past twenty years and have hand delivered them to children ages 2-14 in over 135 countries! The children who receive these boxes may never again have an opportunity to hear the gospel and it is a practical way of sharing Christ’s love!
We, The Rock Community Church, have been participating in this amazing ministry since 2007 and have collectively sent out over 2,100 shoes boxes! Our boxes have been shipped to countries like: The Philippines, Korea, Panama and Indonesia.
This year our goal is to send out over 2,400 boxes! Last year we sent out 1,331 boxes and we have no doubt that we can beat our goal this year – BUT we can’t do it without your help!
Items to focus on donating each month:
January: Package of Socks
February: Toothbrushes
March: Toothpaste
April: Bars of Soap
May: Washcloths
June: Toys for Boys
July: Soft (small) Stuffed Animals
August: School Supplies (pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners)
September: Flip-flops
October – Toys for Girls (dolls, balls, jewelry, etc.)
October is OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD MONTH! All events and weekend services at The Rock will be participating in OCC to insure we reach our goal!
November: $7 donation to help cover the cost of shipping and handling. Donations can be made by dropping a check in the offering at Weekend Services. (Please make sure you check is marked for OCC in the memo line)
December: Pray for all the children who will receive these boxes!
A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
If you have questions regarding OCC, please contact Alma at almat@psalm61.org.
Here is some more information on how you can help…
Donate your coupons. Every Sunday paper comes with coupon inserts and these usually include coupons for items we are collecting! There are women in the church who will use these coupons to get items free or nearly free when paired with a sale. You can drop your coupons off in the donation box found at the Children’s Check-In desk at Weekend Services.
Donate money to help cover the cost to ship these boxes worldwide! On average it costs $7 per box for these to be shipped – your donation of any amount is welcomed to help offset these costs! To donate money please make you check out to “TRCC” and put “OCC” in the memo line (all donations are tax deductable). Checks can be given directly to the Children’s Ministry or placed in the offering during Weekend Services.
Become a fan of OCC at The Rock Community Church on Facebook and stay up to date with our current efforts to collect items as well as alerts when there are great deals on items at our local stores! Click below to visit our fan page.
PRAY! Pray that each child that receives these boxes will be impacted for Christ and will dedicate their lives to Him!
These simple ways to donate & support this ministry will go a long way in helping us reach our goal of over 2,400 boxes this year and it is our hope and prayer that you will join us!
Fill a shoe box following the instructions BELOW. Once your box is filled simply bring it to church with you and put it into the large white bins found throughout the church. You may like to view a short video on how to pack a shoe box. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO.
Steps to Filling a Box:
1. Pick up a gift wrapped ready Shoe Box from Children’s Ministries
2. Choose age/gender from the envelope inside the box and tape label on top of box.
3. Include one of each (listed by month above) of the items listed.
4. Make out check for $7.00 to Samaritan Purse for Shipping/Handling and put inside the box. PLEASE DO NOT SEAL THE BOX.
5. Return filled box to Children’s Ministries
A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
FAQ’s about OCC at The Rock Community Church:
Can I bring any of these items in the months they are not being collected?
YES! Our monthly plan was created to simply help promote and encourage everyone to donate. You can bring any and all of the items you wish to donate at anytime of the year!
When is the last day to bring my items to fill the shoe boxes?
New date TBD for 2011.
When is the last day I can bring my filled/completed shoeboxes?
Date TBD for 2011 when we fill all the rest of the boxes.
For any additional questions, please contact our Children’s Ministries department at 714.779.8546
