The Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes we launched in November have landed in the hands of children on four continents and two Caribbean islands. Some of them travelled more than 12,000 miles from our sanctuary at the corner of Thorn and Broad streets.

Our 2023 boxes were distributed in the African nations of Zambia, Madagascar, Liberia, Burundi, South Africa, and Kenya. Additional boxes were distributed in Ukraine, Honduras, Columbia, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. Some of our boxes were delivered to countries designated as “hard to reach” because of war or cultural, religious, or custom issues, according to the OCC website. “Your prayerfully packed boxes… provide a creative way for us and our ministry partners in these locations to share the Gospel in a culturally sensitive way.”

In 13 years, the Fellowship of the Cross youth have led annual OCC drives that have produced more than 1,400 boxes. FOTC accepts donations year-round, hosts a packing party in late September or October, and blesses the boxes in worship services before delivering them to a regional collection center in November. Collection boxes are located in the narthex and outside the church office. We accept donations of school supplies, small toys and stuffed animals, clothing, such as socks and T-shirts, ball caps, and jewelry, and personal items, including toothbrushes, combs, and brushes. We cannot accept toothpaste, bar soap, liquids of any kind, war-themed gifts, or candy. For more information on the Fellowship of the Cross youth or Operation Christmas Child, see Grace Rogansky, Pamela Mayo, or Bill Utterback.