OCC – Operation Christmas Child

occ_06_03.jpgImagine if you had never received a gift of any kind? Nothing for a birthday, Christmas or other special occasions? Well, there are many children around the world for whom this is a reality.

However, each year Samaritan’s Purse co-ordinates the collection of Christmas boxes full of goodies selected with needy children in mind – samples of love and concern for our neighbours.

Each gift is received as a gift of love. As stated by Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse International:

As each of these desperate children opened their shoe box gift, they lifted the lid that’s been on their life. They lifted the lid on poverty, hopelessness and despair. They felt the love – God’s magnificent love – that moved others to pack those gifts for them.

With Christmas boxes, lives can be changed:

  • The grandmother who had never been able to give the children any gifts comes to a distribution centre.
  • The community which had been experiencing racial tension and conflict comes together.
  • Prisoners become Christians after their children receive OCC boxes
  • Divided churches (11) in Papua New Guinea meet together on a Sunday for a mass service of several thousand people.

What can you do?

  1. Find an empty shoe box (or collect one from school). Decorate brightly.
  2. Pick a child to buy for
  3. Fill the box with gifts, love and prayer (and a cheque for at least $8 to cover transport)
  4. Drop off to a collection centre (either school, or call 1800 684 300)
  5. Then continue to keep the child and his/her family in your prayers

Things to consider:

What type of gifts are most appropriate? (our collection mostly goes to Pacific and Asian regions – clothing should suit these climates)

Lollies may be fun but need to be wrapped (e.g. Lifesavers) – ants and high temperatures are often a problem. (And do they really need a dental problem?) 2008 collections discourage the inclusions of any lollies.

Liquids can leak in transport – so they are often removed by distribution. We don’t want gifts spoiled before arrival. So include a toothbrush but probably not toothpaste. Remove any unnecessary packaging – their country doesn’t need our waste problem!

Though we might like to send Christian greetings, some countries won’t accept boxes with religious, or racial overtones. (The power of prayer will suffice.)

Photos of gift givers are received with excitement. (Just be cautious about the display of any wealth.)

Give gifts with a motivation to make a difference – not just to meet a Community and Service or goodwill commitment. And pack your box with a child in need in mind – think of their culture, income level and needs.

Have fun making your selections for someone who will really appreciate it!!

More details available at: http://www.samaritanspurse.org.au/occ_08_index.shtml. Check out http://www.samaritanspurse.org.au/ for other details of their work reaching from OCC.