Important Dates
- Collection Begins:
Sunday, November 2, 2025 - Final Drop-Off:
Sunday, November 16, 2025
(no later!) - Where:
RHCC Lobby
(look for the OCC display)
Operation Christmas Child at Real Hope
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” — Romans 10:15
This November, the People of Real Hope are rallying to pack shoebox gifts that carry joy, practical help, and the gospel in a child’s own language to kids across the globe. Through Operation Christmas Child (OCC), these gifts will reach 170+ countries—one box, one child, one life at a time.
How to Get a Shoebox
- Pick up a $4 plastic shoebox at Hobby Lobby
- Or, grab a free cardboard OCC box at church (arriving soon)
- Or, use a standard shoebox you already have
Build Your Box in 5 Easy Steps
- Choose Gender & Age
- Boy or Girl
- Ages:
- 2–4,
- 5–9,
- 10–14 (Least donated—consider making one especially for this age!)
- Add a “WOW” Item (the treasure of the box)
Ideas: stuffed animal, doll, blanket, binoculars, sturdy toy, frisbee, deflated soccer ball + hand pump
Tip: Avoid items needing batteries. - Fill with Useful + Fun Items
- School/Art: crayons, markers, pencils, small notebooks, stickers, puzzles
- Care Items: socks, toothbrush, hairbrush/comb, cup, washcloth
- Just for Joy: small games, cars, jump rope
- Pray and Personalize
- Pray for the child who will receive your box
- Add a note, family photo, and your first names/city/state
- You can register your box to follow its journey
- Include Shipping Donation
- $10 per box to cover shipping/handling (place in envelope on top or pay online when you register)
What Not to Pack (OCC Restrictions)
Please do not include:
- Soap, toothpaste, candy or food
- War-related items (toy guns/nerf guns, knives, military figures)
- Glass/fragile items, aerosols, liquids, lotions
- Money or damaged/used items
- Live creatures (yes, even rubber “snakes” can be confusing—skip snake themes)
- Culturally confusing items (aim for neutral/natural)
- Bibles or tracts (OCC provides gospel materials in the child’s language)
Packing Tips that Go the Extra Mile
- Think durable and portable—small, strong, and simple to use
- Older kids (10–14) appreciate tools (small hand tools where allowed), sewing kits, quality notebooks, ball caps, compact games, sunglasses, calculators (solar), etc.
- Remove bulky packaging; space is precious!
- If you include a soccer ball, don’t forget the pump 👍
Why It Matters
Every OCC shoebox is delivered with care and accompanied by the Good News of Jesus Christ in the child’s own language—opening doors for hope, local discipleship, and community transformation. Your box is more than a gift; it’s a gospel moment.
Ready to Help?
- Grab a box this Sunday
- Shop with a friend or family (great with kids or small groups!)
- Pray as you pack
- Drop off by Nov 16
Questions? Want to help serve at the table or sort boxes?
Contact:
Melissa Westerfeld
- Let’s fill the lobby with boxes—and the world with hope
Real Hope, real love, real Good News.
