Edna DeFord pictured with Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes
Edna DeFord
It’s “Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box” time again at PebbleCreek Community Church (PCCC). Specifically designated GO (Gospel Opportunity) Boxes for this program have been designed and provided by Samaritan’s Purse. At this time of year, we are busy filling up these shoe boxes to send to children in 110 different countries around the world as well as American Indian tribes.
The shoe boxes are filled with appropriate items for children in age groups 2 to 4, 5 to 9, and 10 to 14 years old. These gifts bring excitement and joy to children who may never have received a present in their life. Items include hygiene supplies, school needs (pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, crayons, etc.), small clothing items, and a “wow” item which might be a nice stuffed animal, soccer ball, doll, pair of flip–flops, or small toys. Many of the shoe box recipients might not be able to go to school due to their parent’s inability to provide them with school supplies. In addition to purchasing Christmas shoe box items, some of our PebbleCreek seamstresses have been busy sewing. As in the past, the PebbleCreek Sewing Club dedicated a day in October to sew “Dresses from the Heart” for the girls, and new this year, cargo pants for boys of various ages. This clothing will be included in the shoe boxes.
Locally filled shoe boxes will be collected at a PebbleCreek Community Church Dedication Worship Service on Nov. 24. Monetary donations are also accepted through checks payable to PCCC. These monies will be applied to shipping costs for already filled shoe boxes that are ready to be ’”adopted.”
The Operation Christmas Child program is open to everyone. It is not necessary to be a church member in order to fill a shoe box, give a donation, or contribute online to Samaritan’s Purse “Build A Box” website. Unfortunately, Hurricane Helene affected the operations of the Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, N.C. At the time of submitting this article, the staff has been unable to build a separate website for our church to accept “Build A Box” donations. However, you may contact Edna DeFord at [email protected] to request the “Build A Box” website be sent to you as soon as it is available.
PCCC is a non-denominational church that meets each Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom. You are invited to attend our services and enjoy wonderful music, solid Biblical preaching, fellowship, and an emphasis on Missions. You can view our morning worship service on YouTube.com/@ChurchPCC/Videos or follow us on Facebook: PebbleCreek Community Church—Goodyear, AZ. You can also stay connected through our church website: churchpcc.org.