Operation Christmas Child (OCC) makes a huge difference in the lives of children and their families! New Hope has annually participated in OCC, but this year we're changing how we are collecting for this important ministry. We believe this new method will help us build even more shoeboxes that will gift kids and families Good News of Great Joy. For 2023, we will be collecting items for Operation Christmas Child boxes on specific months throughout the year. We encourage you and your family to review our collection list and begin looking for items you can donate when you're out shopping. In October, we will gather as a church family for a big packing party to build shoeboxes together. DONATION LIST (drop-off donations in the toy box in the lower Atrium) January: hats, gloves, socks (all ages), underwear (all ages) February: deflated soccer or dodge ball AND pumps March: sunglasses, hair ties, bandanas, bracelets/necklaces April: stuffed animals or dolls (6-8") May: comb/brush, toothbrush individually wrapped, washcloth, bar soap (in original wrapping) June: pencil bags, pencils sharpened, pens, journals, crayons, color pencils If you have made it a family tradition to shop and build your shoebox together, we want you to keep that precious tradition. Feel free to bring your filled shoebox to the packing party or to the church by Nov. 12, 2023.