Dear Church Family,

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. The mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. These simple gifts are shipped outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S. OCC has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to over 168 million children in more than 100 countries.

 

A Community Collection Point

OCC Shoeboxes are a great way for us to continue our legacy of missions and ministering to those who are hurting. This year we are serving as our local collection point for all of the churches in our area! 


Please consider volunteering for collection week here at FBC! 

From November 18-24 the lower loading dock entransce serves as a collection point for churches around Charlottesville and beyond!


REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER DURING COLLECTION WEEK 

FBC Collection Point Hours

Monday 11/18 4:00pm – 6:30pm

When You Pack:

We encourage you to include a “WOW” item like a soccer ball (w/pump) or a stuffed animal. Also include personal care items like a toothbrush, bar of soap, or a blanket. Clothing and accessories are always welcome. Crafts and activities like coloring books, pencils and crayons to stimulate learning are also welcome. Don’t forget a small toy. After all, who doesn’t like toys for Christmas? And, then, include a personal note for the child receiving your box. If you include your name and address, your child may be able to write back!


If you would rather provide funds for someone else to pack a shoebox for you, click here!

 

It is important to remember as you pack your shoeboxes, please do not include Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans. For more guidance on how to pack a shoebox, check out the video below: