Collection week for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) begins this week. 

OCC is a program created to ensure children all over the world experience the magic of Christmas and learn about the Gospel. The program began in 1993 and every year since then shoeboxes are filled with gifts to send to children around the world. In addition to gifts, children also receive “The Greatest Gift,” which is a colorful presentation of the Gospel in their own language. After receiving the shoebox gifts, the children are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey which is a 12-lesson discipleship program where they learn from trained volunteers what it means to faithfully follow Christ. 

Those interested in packing an OCC shoebox will first need to get a standard-size shoebox for a boy or girl. Each box requires a “WOW” item toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal. Pack the other gifts such as fun toys, hygiene products and school supplies, then donate $10 per box. This donation covers the cost of shipping and other project costs. Finally, drop off the box at one of the designated drop-off locations. 

Collection week is Nov. 13 - 20. The locations and drop-off times are:

First Baptist Church located at 403 N Spring Street McMinnville: Mon, Nov. 13: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tue, Nov. 14: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wed, Nov. 15: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thu, Nov. 16: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri, Nov. 17: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat, Nov. 18: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun, Nov. 19: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon, Nov. 20: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. 

Covenant Fellowship Church located at 7225 Manchester Highway: Mon, Nov. 13: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tue, Nov. 14: noon - 7 p.m. Wed, Nov. 15: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thu, Nov. 16: noon - 7 p.m. Fri, Nov. 17: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat, Nov. 18: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun, Nov. 19: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Mon, Nov. 20: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Suggested shoebox items include toy cars, jump ropes, yo-yos, toys that might light up or make noises, toothbrushes, washcloths, combs, hairbrushes, pens, pencils, sharpeners, notebooks, crayons, markers, paper, coloring and picture books, solar calculators, socks, sunglasses, jewelry, watches and flashlights with extra batteries.  

Items not allowed include candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items, scary or war-related items, seeds, food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items or glass containers and aerosol cans.