OCC distribution in Panama--2004If you've been around me over the last 10 years or so, then you know I have a passion for shoe boxes. Not shoes, really. Just the boxes. (I know--crazy, huh? A gal who's just not into shoes that much. Or handbags, but that's another story.)
Anyway, I love shoe boxes because I love Operation Christmas Child! Affectionately called OCC, Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan's Purse. The project entails delivering gift-filled shoe boxes (which are collected from people like you and me) to children in need around the world. The best part? The children also receive a Gospel storybook--in their own language--with each box! It's such a fun outreach. I could probably devote a whole blog to writing just about OCC. (There probably are OCC blogs out there, actually.) Well, I love the project so much that I ended up working for OCC--started out as a participant, then became a volunteer, and eventually an employee. But it's been a while since I worked for OCC, and now I am back to participant/volunteer status. And I still love it!
I love filling shoe boxes each year. I guess this will be my 11th year to do so. I collect things all year long to put in my boxes--and I like to make my OCC dollars stretch as much as possible. Because that means I can fill more boxes--and more boxes mean more children to get them! YAY!
this is just awesome. I've heard about occ. My mom had a friend that collected shoe boxes throught out the year. I would love to help...let me know Karen.
ReplyDeleteI worked at a Christian bookstore all throughout high school that was a drop off location for OCC. One of my favorite things to do was to look through the shoeboxes to see what people had given, and think about how excited the children who received them would be. It's such a great organization. :)
ReplyDeleteWill you let me know what kinds of items are needed to fill the boxes?
ReplyDeleteLook how skinny you were!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I can't wait to read more of your OCC posts!
ReplyDeleteBly!
What a wonderful thing to do. I would love to help out too if I can!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, everyone! National Collection Week is November 17-24 (but you can deliver to ATL later because there is a processing center here.)
ReplyDeleteBe sure to check out the Web site at http://samaritanspurse.org/OCC.asp for all the details.
Here are some gift ideas--I just copied this from the site:
TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
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 snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans