How would you like to start a new Christmas tradition with your church or family?
The Atlanta Area Team of Operation Christmas Child (OCC) will be celebrating Christmas in August, as they host an Operation Christmas Child Kickoff Event on Saturday, August 17, 10:30-11:45 am, at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, 4400 North Peachtree Road. This is in preparation for this year’s National Collection Week, November 18-25, 2013.
Last year the Dunwoody community collected over 5000 gift-filled shoeboxes, packed by local churches, schools and civic organizations, including the business students of Georgia Perimeter College, the Dunwoody Women’s Circle and local scout troops. This is part of a worldwide effort by Operation Christmas Child to offer hope and healing to hurting children around the world. More than 9 million children in over 100 countries received a shoebox gift this year.
In May, local resident Carol Smith traveled to Uganda to hand-deliver these shoeboxes. Smith and others will be speaking at the August 17th event, talking about on how lives are being transformed around the world with these simple shoe box gifts. Attendees will also learn strategies and tools for leading a group in packing boxes.
Atlanta First Baptist Church serves as a major OCC Collection Center for the Southeast. Those interested in learning more about Operation Christmas Child are invited to attend the Kickoff Event on Saturday, August 17, 10:30-11:45 am. For more information, contact the Southeast Regional Office at 770-777-9342 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.
