For 7 years, Collin County residents have been a part of Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse that shares the true meaning of Christmas with children in need around the world. On Saturday, Aug 26, volunteers from Allen, Plano and surrounding cities will gather to kick off collection season—with a goal of packing more than 25,000 shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items. These gift-filled shoeboxes will contribute to the project’s global goal of reaching more than 11 million children in Jesus’ Name.

Saturday, Aug 26, an in-person workshop will be held to inform, encourage, and equip local volunteers across the Collin County area.  This is for anyone who loves packing OCC shoeboxes, who desires to learn more about the mission and ministry of Operation Christmas Child, or who is looking for a way to serve the LORD through Evangelism, Discipleship, and Multiplication of the Gospel message.

Register early for this free event and you could be eligible for 50 Operation Christmas Child cardboard shoeboxes.  8:45-12:30 at Cottonwood Creek Church (1015 Sam Rayburn Tollway, Allen, TX 75013).

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement. Many shoeboxes built online go to hard-to-reach countries.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Operation Christmas Child will celebrate its 30th year of ministry!