Operation Christmas Child 2011

Welcome to Operation Christmas Child!

For nearly twenty years, Samaritan’s Purse has been collecting and sending Christmas Shoeboxes to children all over the globe. Nearly 70 million shoeboxes have been shipped to kids in over 100 countries. Those are big numbers, but we should always keep in mind that each box will touch the life of one very precious child. Each shoebox is packed with special gifts inside but more importantly, they come with a spiritual gift as well. Each shoebox will be placed in the child’s hands by a local church, who will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with that child and their family.

This year, as part of Lakewood’s vision to be a regional church with a global reach, we will be serving as an official OCC Collection Center in November. We will be receiving boxes from churches and individuals from all over Gainesville and Hall County as well as from relay stations in places like Dahlonega, Cornelia and Cumming, to name a few. We are anticipating to collect nearly 20,000 shoeboxes and pack them into shipping boxes and load them onto trucks for further shipment to Atlanta. All of those boxes that we collect will be given to about 20,000 young children around the world.

To accomplish this huge task, we need the involvement of the entire church body. We need three things: Pray, Participate, Pack!

First, Pray! Especially for the children and families that will be the recipients of the shoeboxes. Click for current prayer concerns.

Second, Participate! During that week we will need a large number of volunteers to staff our processing station. To volunteer, register with Heather Risinger at hrisinger@lakewoodlife.org. Include the days and times you would like to volunteer for from the schedule below. You will receive instructions regarding your serve time soon.

Finally, Pack! Get your own shoebox ready to go! Putting together a shoebox can be a very meaningful experience for you and your family. Learn how to pack a shoebox.

Collection Operation Hours

Monday 14 Nov 4pm-8pm

Tuesday 15 Nov 9am-1pm

Wednesday 16 Nov 4pm-8pm

Thursday 17 Nov 4pm-8pm

Friday 18 Nov 9am-1pm

Saturday 19 Nov 9am-1pm

Sunday. 20 Nov 12:30pm-4:30pm

Monday 21 Nov 9am-5pm

Thanks for you prayers and support!!

Frequently Asked Questions

OCC Video