Operation Christmas Child is a mission project Calvary participates in annually from September to November. OCC send shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items to children in need around the world. Each child that receives a shoebox also hears the Gospel. Each child also receives a booklet called “The Greatest Gift,” which is a tangible presentation of the Gospel in their own language they can share with friends and family.
Calvary members participate in OCC in a number of different ways: donating supplies for the Packing Party, donating money for supplies and shipping, turning in filled shoeboxes. We are also in great need of volunteers to fill several positions within this ministry. We would love to have you serve with us. Take a look at the ways you can serve with Operation Christmas Child, then fill out the form below to let us know what area(s) interest you.
If you have additional questions, please contact Laura Atterbury.
Folding Boxes
Come to the church and fold the OCC shoeboxes and store them for use. (July-September)
OCC Information Table
Man the OCC Information Table in the Welcome Center on a rotating basis, answering basic questions and handing out supplies. Shifts available on Sundays from the first week in September until the third week of November. First shift is 8:15 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. Second shift is 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Delivering OCC Sample Boxes to LifeGroup Rooms
A six-week commitment on Sunday mornings – you’ll deliver sample OCC boxes to LifeGroup rooms before 9:40 a.m. on Sundays during October and November.
Picking Up OCC Sample Boxes from LifeGroup Rooms
A six-week commitment on Sunday mornings – you’ll go around to the classrooms after the LifeGroup hour is up and pick up all the sample OCC boxes and return them to the church office.
Packing Party Inventory
On Saturday, October 26th, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., we will count and organize all the donated items to get an idea of what items we still need for the Packing Party.
Packing Party Inventory Bundling
We have lots of items that need to be bundled and/or separated. For example, rubber banding pencils and pens together or making beads kits. This year, we’re going to have a “Bundling Party” on October 18th from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (though it may end earlier if we knock it out quickly!). We’ll get together in the Welcome Center and hang out while we bundle some items and separate some others.
Packing Party Set Up
The OCC Packing Party is on Saturday, November 9th. Beginning Thursday, November 7th at 8:00 a.m., we unpack all of the items we’ve collected for the party and begin sorting them on tables. It takes all day Thursday and Friday, November 8th, to set up the party. You don’t have to commit to the whole time, but at least two hours of serving is most helpful. Lots of hands are needed to accomplish this preparation. However, due to the work environment of this particular task, we are unable to allow children to be present.
Packing Party Attendance
On Saturday, November 9th, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, come help us pack shoeboxes with all the items we’ve collected for Operation Christmas Child. All ages are invited to participate. Stick around after the party to help us clean up and store the boxes.
Truck Loading
During National Collection Week, we will load a truck with all the boxes from Calvary Ministries and deliver them to the drop-off site.