OCC- Simple gifts going a long way

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --   An Operation Christmas Child volunteer inspects a shoebox, checking for any liquids, war toys or perishable items.

To her surprise the box is full of white tube socks. She calls a supervisor and asks "Should we add anything to this box?" The supervisor says "No, there's a reason for these socks",

They track the box and find out it was given to a young boy in a remote village in a Third World country.

After opening the box, the boy is ecstatic and yells with glee saying "Look, look, I now have socks to cover my stumps".

His legs are amputated from the knees down. With the cold weather, the socks keep him warm because they cover his leg stumps. He is also excited because he now feels better dressed.

This is what OCC is all about.

A non-denominational Christian children's ministry, it uses simple, gift-filled shoe boxes to let children all over the world know they are loved and remembered.

"Every shoe box has a story," said Vera Kirkpatrick, Goodfellow's OCC point of contact. "Seeing the look on children's faces when they receive shoeboxes, the joy of knowing that someone somewhere cares for them and hearing the stories of changed lives gives me hope that through these gifts of love, we are making a difference around the world."

This year, OCC will reach more than 8.5 million children, many of whom have never received a gift before. OCC uses tracking technology that allows donors to "follow their box" to find out the destination country where it will be hand-delivered to a child in need.

After 13 years as an OCC volunteer, Ms. Kirkpatrick stressed the importance of letting children know someone loves and cares for them.

"Donating a shoe box is like being a missionary without leaving home," she said. "For only $20, and $7 for shipping costs, you can spread the love of God to a lonely, often mistreated, hungry child in a war-torn country."

Kirkpatrick said this would be a great opportunity for the whole family to be involved

"Take your children shopping and let them use some of their own money to buy items and fill a shoebox. Our children have so much. I've had parents say it was so good to see their children or grandchildren buy something for another child. It teaches them to give," she said.

She added that the reception and participation from the base the past four years has been great and encouraged people to get involved this year.

"People may wonder why we send gifts overseas when we can give them to the needy children in the San Angelo area," Kirkpatrick said. "That's true, there are lots of needs in our area, but we also have many organizations that help. OCC reaches children in the most remote places worldwide where no one else does."

Gift ideas include but are not limited to toys, school supplies, hygiene items, hard candy and clothing items. Do not include used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans. In a separate envelope you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself and your family.

The National Collection Week is Nov. 14-21. Goodfellow members can donate at the Base Chapel or the Crossroads, now through Nov.20.

The main collection center for the San Angelo area is Christian Church of San Angelo, 4060 South Bryant St.

Donations are welcome anytime of the year. For more information on volunteering or donating, visit www.samaritanspurse.org or call Vera Kirkpatrick at (325) 227-8982.