As we step into June, we find 38 shoeboxes wrapped in bright Christmas paper sitting on a table in one of our basement classrooms.

Operation Christmas Child is accelerating at Sewickley UMC.

Kara W. and daughters Elliett and Evarett, as they have for so many years, wrapped and delivered the shoeboxes. We’re thankful for their continuing support, and we’re thankful for the reminder that a successful OCC campaign requires energy and imagination from spring through summer into fall.

The Fellowship of the Cross, leading our OCC drive for the 13th year, has also received enough sunglasses, toothbrushes, scissors, rulers, and stuffed animals to accommodate 100 shoeboxes.

Our needs include school supplies (pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, and glue sticks), wearables (T-shirts, socks, caps), personal grooming items (brushes, combs, adhesive bandages), and “wow” gifts, such as dolls, balls, jewelry, hair accessories, and toy cars.

The FOTC donation box is located outside the church office, on a shelf beneath the bulletin board.

Since 2011, the SUMC family has contributed more than 1,300 boxes that have been presented, along with an opportunity to know Jesus and grow in His Light, to children in Ukraine, Africa, South America, Central America, and Caribbean nations.