Operation Christmas Child

Almond Union of Churches was a relay center for Operation Christmas Child again this year, and had set a new record for the number of shoeboxes collected at our church.

As a Relay Center, we collect shoeboxes from area churches, groups such as boy scouts or girl scouts, junior grange groups, even businesses and individuals.  As we receive them, we carton them up and transport them to the collection center in Big Flats (Big Flats Wesleyan Church).  When we drop them in Big Flats, we put them onto the big Roadway semi-trucks and they go to Boone, North Carolina.  From Boone they are processed then distributed to some of the neediest children in the world.

But before they get distributed, each shoebox gets a gospel story book, so that as children get a shoebox gift (for many, it might be the first gift they've ever received), they will also learn of the greatest gift of all, Christ's gift of salvation.

This is an incredible ministry, and I'm proud that Almond Union has embraced it and works so hard every year to make it a success. 

This year, we collected 774 shoeboxes.  Perhaps just as impressive is the fact that we had 24 volunteers working 121 hours.  Yet I don't think anyone thought it was work.  We have fun serving together.  And we made a difference!  Thank you to everyone who helped, who donated a shoebox, and who prayed over the shoeboxes that were collected.  Your efforts are appreciated.

On the Churches FaceBook page, we have pictures of the event.  Feel free to check them out at Almond Union of Churches FB.