The Countdown Begins! Get Ready for Our Operation Christmas Child Packing Party and More Ways to Give!

Summer is just about in full swing, and we've been so encouraged by your enthusiasm for collecting items year-round for Operation Christmas Child 2025! Your thoughtful finds, whether from summer sales or decluttering, are truly building a beautiful foundation of hope for children around the world. We know many of you have been diligently gathering small toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, and that dedication is truly making a difference.

As we move deeper into the summer, we have some exciting updates and important new details to share that will make participating even easier and more impactful!

Mark Your Calendars: Packing Party on July 3rd!

Get ready for some hands-on fun! Our wonderful Thursday Morning Women's Bible Study has graciously volunteered to organize a packing party on Wednesday, July 3rd! This will be a fantastic opportunity to come together, sort all the amazing donations you've collected, and begin the joyful process of filling these shoeboxes. More details about the exact time will be shared soon, but please mark your calendars now! It's a truly special way to see your contributions come to life.

Important Update: No More Bar Soap!

We've received an important update from Operation Christmas Child regarding items allowed in the shoeboxes. Effective immediately, please do not include bar soap in your donations. This change is part of their evolving guidelines to ensure the gifts reach children safely and effectively. We encourage everyone to always double-check the official "What to Pack" list on the Samaritan's Purse website before adding items to your collection.

More Ways to Share God's Love

Beyond collecting items in person, we want to make it as simple as possible for everyone to contribute to this incredible mission. Here are a few ways you can help pack hope:

1. Shop Local & Donate: Continue to purchase items from your favorite stores and drop them in our designated collection bins located in the conference room on the first floor.
2. Shop Online with Ease: Operation Christmas Child has a curated Amazon Storefront with recommended items! You can conveniently purchase items directly from their list. This is a fantastic way to ensure you're getting exactly what's needed for specific age groups.
3. Monetary Contributions: If shopping isn't feasible, a financial gift is always a wonderful way to support this mission. Your contributions help cover shipping costs and purchase needed items to fill any gaps.
        Checks: Please make checks payable to "Fairview EPC" and include "Operation Christmas Child" in the memo line.
        Cash: Place cash in an envelope clearly marked "Operation Christmas Child" and mail it to the church office or give it directly to Jenn.

Be Inspired!

Still wondering about the impact of a simple shoebox? Watch this inspiring video to see the incredible joy and transformation these gifts bring to children around the world:

Every item, every dollar, every moment you dedicate to Operation Christmas Child helps share God's love and the message of Jesus Christ with a child who might otherwise never receive a gift. Let's keep the momentum going as we head towards our packing party and beyond!

Thank you for your incredible generosity and for being a part of this global movement of hope!