OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD (OCC)
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD UPDATE
2024 has been an exciting year with Operation Christmas Child, National Collection Week ended. Fill a Truck was such a blessing knowing 633 children will be receiving a shoebox gift along with receiving the gospel message of Jesus Christ. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the 12-week Discipleship Program called the Greatest Journey in hopes after they graduate they will disciple others so they can also come to receive Jesus.VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES TO PROCESS SHOEBOXESBelow are volunteering opportunities for ages 13+ at the Aurora Processing Center.Aurora Processing Center800 N. Commerce St.Aurora, IL 60504Sign up dates:Monday 12/2 - Saturday 12/7Monday 12/9 - Saturday 12/14Monday 12/16 - Saturday 12/21Click HERE to register to volunteerOTHER VOLUNTEERING FOR Build a Shoebox
Join us again in January or February to assemble shoeboxes that were ordered through Build a Shoebox Online! Before these boxes can make their way to hard-to-reach countries with the message of God's love, they must be packed according to specific instructions. You're invited to participate in this unique response to bless boys and girls around the world. Whether you're interested in serving as an individual or with a group, you can have a direct part in shining Christ's light in some of the world's darkest places. This a unique, active experience with much more walking than regular processing.
Aurora Processing Center
800 N. Commerce St.
Aurora, IL 60504
*Select the Build a Shoebox/January-Februrary 2025/Aurora, IL location to make a reservation
Dates: The season will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and run for approximately four weeks.
Times: A variety of shifts are available Tues.-Sat., between 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Email Susan Schmidt [email protected] if you have questions.
What is Operation Christmas Child?
The Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts‑filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift—filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.
Since 1993 we have collected and delivered more than 198 million shoebox gifts. Also, in 2023, Operation Christmas Child hopes to receive 11 million shoeboxes globally with 9.4 million of these boxes coming from the U.S. This year, the project expects to collect its 200 millionth gift-filled shoebox!
Eternal Impact
Delivered into the hands of children through local churches, every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share about Jesus Christ and God’s love. Since 2009, more than 26.5 million children who have received a shoebox gift have participated in The Greatest Journey—a 12‑lesson discipleship program. Children learn from trained, local volunteers what it means to follow Jesus and share their faith with friends and family.