Thank you! And YES!!! The Fellowship of the Cross youth are sending a heartfelt “thank you” to the Operation Christmas Child benefactor who, every year, provides sunglasses for every shoe box. We found the donation in our collection bin in March. Sunglasses are fun, practical, thoughtful contributions to our ministry. We also send a “thank you” to God for all of you who keep OCC in mind throughout the year. The emphatic “YES” is for the mother from the young SUMC family who recently asked if we accept “gently-used” contributions. We like to think of them as “gently-loved,” and they have been a key component of our OCC drives since the evening we first gathered in the church library in 2011.

The FOTC originals filled our first boxes with stuffed animals and jewelry and art supplies and school supplies from their personal collections. We have been blessed several times over the years by families who have donated stuffed animal collections. These are the furry companions who have been sitting on shelves, not the ones hugged through every bout with the flu. Children who like blocks and cars and rockets might donate the crayons and markers that went unused. Those who love art supplies might have dinosaurs or ball caps or bull dozers that have been untouched. We have been sorting gifts for 13 years. We’re willing to do the work. If your spring cleaning has you clearing drawers and closets and the space beneath the beds, we’re willing to accept the treasure you find.

As always, we accept new gifts year-round. We’re gathering toys, stuffed animals, school supplies, jewelry, combs and brushes, toothbrushes, ball caps, socks, T-shirts, puzzles, and books. Our collection bins are located outside the church office and in the narthex. In 13 years, we have put more than 1,400 shoe boxes into the hands of children on four continents.