Operation Christmas Child prepares for thousands of donations

This month, Black Mountain Baptist Church will serve as a collection site for Operation Christmas Child-the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. The children packed 82 shoebox gifts with items such as school supplies, toothbrushes, soap, washcloths, combs, socks, toys, candy and a note with a picture of themselves. “Oftentimes, this is the first time that a child has ever received a gift so you can imagine the impact that that has”, said Autumn Hanline, regional manager for the Carolinas for Operation Christmas Child.

They can also use directions on the website to purchase items and fill their own box at home.

Next year she hopes to have Operation Christmas Child become an official Ole Miss organization, so that every student can easily get involved with the cause.

“We have so much to be thankful for here in America”. “A lot of kids are able to go to school because we put in pencils – and be sure to put a pencil sharpener in there – and paper, rulers and backpacks”.

Lawson told us their initial goal, was to raise money to pack 50 boxes and she was successful.

Chloe Robison, 13, and her brother Christian Robison, 11, talk Tuesday about the Operation Christmas Child program they help organize at the Calvary Chapel in Chico.

Emma Kerscher, left, age 12, has filled her box for a girl age 10-14.

Once the crates have been loaded onto trailers, the shoebox gifts will be driven to processing centers where the boxes will be inspected and taped shut before their trip to a port city, where they will be loaded onto boats for delivery throughout the world, or to an awaiting airplane.

Sunday, November 22: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Wilson said they have turned Operation Christmas Child into a learning experience for the children who attend church.

After being dropped off at collection site, the boxes will make the journey overseas to reach the hands of children in need.

There’s also an online option for those who prefer to do their packing in the virtual world: Go to samaritanspurse.org, “pack” toys and gifts in a shoebox, and include a personal message, if you like.

Shipping Costs: Please include $7 to cover the cost of shipping your OCC shoebox.

This year, Samaritan’s Purse is on the lookout for churches in Newark and Heath that can help collect and store boxes until they are ready to be shipped to the children who need them.