News release
Operation Christmas Child will have a “Project Leader Workshop” in two locations on Saturday, Sept.10.
The workshop is for anyone in a church or civic organization who is just learning about OCC, is just getting started, or is currently an OCC leader who would like some new, fresh ideas, said Rachel Albin, Northwest Kansas area coordinator.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief ministry headquartered in Boone, N.C. Every year thousands of volunteers pack simple shoebox gifts with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items. These boxes are then collected and shipped to children in more than 100 countries, including some poverty-stricken areas in the U.S.
For many of these children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Inside every box is a pamphlet, printed in the child’s language, telling the child about Jesus and how these gifts represent the love that He has for each child. For many of the children, this is their first time to hear about Jesus also.
The two workshops will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Norton Christian Church, 208 N. Kansas Ave. in Norton and from 2 to 4 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main St. in Hays.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Albin at [email protected] or (785) 639-1325, with the following information: Workshop location, group’s name, shoebox goal, and who will be attending.
This is “an opportunity to learn more about the impact that Operation Christmas Child has in the world. Time will be spent discussing ideas of how to share the vision to create excitement within your church or organization packing shoeboxes,” Albin said.
“Don’t miss your opportunity to fellowship with others passionate about OCC and learn how you can create kingdom growth through a simple gift.”
Albin said empty OCC shoeboxes would be handed out at both workshops. National Collection Week this year will be Nov. 14-21.
More information about the shoebox gift project is available at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.