Operation Christmas Child, a global ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, is gearing up nationwide and in the panhandle of Nebraska for National Collection Week, November 13-20. Local OCC volunteers are encouraging churches, youth groups, civic organizations, families and individuals to fill shoeboxes and take them to drop off sites located at Mitchell (Mitchell Berean), Kimball (Trinity UMC), Sidney E Free, Bridgeport Church of Christ, Alliance Berean and Chadron Ridgeview Bible Church during the week of November 13-20 (call ahead for drop-off times).
“The Shoebox Program (Operation Christmas Child) has been around since 1993. It provides an amazing impact for children all over the world. Millions of shoeboxes are packed each year in the U.S. (and other countries) and shipped to multiple countries where children receive them, often in areas unreached by the Gospel. Most of the children who receive shoeboxes have never received a gift before. It’s a simple, affordable way to connect with young people all over the world.” Stated Pastor Gillming, Western Nebraska Area Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child. “After children receive a shoebox, they are invited to attend a class called ‘The Greatest Journey’ which teaches them about the Gospels and Jesus Christ. This program has enhanced and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and families across the globe and in many cases has helped get churches built where they’ve never been before.”
Shoebox items may include: school supplies, toys, clothing and accessories, personal care items, crafts and activities and even a personal note. Toys should not depict anything violent, such as weapons, and liquid items should not be packed in shoeboxes (such as mouthwash, tooth paste, beverages).
Anyone interested in assisting with this worthwhile and impactful program should contact Pastor Roger Gillming at pastorroger.gillming@gmail.com or (308) 241-1791 or Kathy Welfl at (308) 641-3471. Participants can use shoeboxes they have at home; shoeboxes are also available at Hobby Lobby or online at Samaritanspurse.org. Roger and Kathy are available to talk to congregations, youth groups and civic organizations.
Last year, 2,800 shoeboxes were collected in the panhandle of Nebraska. “This year, we’d love to see 3,000 shoeboxes (or more) collected in the region. It’s one of the most heart-warming ministries I’ve ever been involved with.” There is much more information about Operation Christmas Child that can be found on Samaritanspurse.org along with “how to pack a shoebox”, videos of children receiving shoeboxes, resources and much more. “We encourage anyone interested to participate and we are here to assist in any way we can.” added Pastor Roger.