Blumenort Community Church is once again hosting its annual Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoebox Drive, and the congregation is coming together in a big way to spread holiday cheer to children around the world.
This year marks the 13th annual OCC Shoebox store, a project that has become a staple in the area, bringing together volunteers of all ages to fill boxes with gifts for children in need.
Colben de Klein, 16, has been helping with the shoebox drive since he was three years old. He’s excited to see how much it has grown over the years, and he shared his experience of being part of this community effort.
"My mom has been one of the main organizers for the last few years, so I’ve grown up helping her with it. It’s been awesome to see how the whole community comes together every year to help pack the boxes and get them ready to send out."
For those unfamiliar with how the shoebox store works, de Klein explained what visitors can expect when they arrive at Blumenort Community Church.
"When you walk through the doors, we have a table where someone will greet you and guide you through the process. You’ll pick a box and a label, choose the age range and gender, and then head over to the tables where we have a variety of items to fill the box with—hygiene products, school supplies, toys, clothes, and more. Once your box is packed, there’s a little ‘About Me’ paper you can fill out with details like your favorite food or hobbies to include in the box. It’s a fun way to let the kids know a little bit about you."
While the process of filling the boxes is simple, the impact is far-reaching. de Klein emphasized how important it is to remember that for many children, this is their first Christmas gift.
"These kids are so excited to receive their boxes. For some of them, it’s their very first gift, and it means so much to them. We often take for granted all the presents we get for Christmas, but for these kids, it’s a huge deal."
The shoeboxes, once packed, are shipped overseas to children in need. de Klein also shared that his family had the opportunity to distribute the boxes firsthand during a mission trip to Costa Rica. There, they saw how the gifts, along with a week of Bible lessons, made a lasting impact on the children.
"At first, it just felt like we were packing boxes and sending them off, but when we were in Costa Rica, we saw the real difference they make. It’s not just about the toys and clothes, but the love and hope that’s shared through these gifts."
The Blumenort Shoebox Drive relies heavily on volunteers, and de Klein shared how the community has been incredibly generous with their time.
"We had about 30 to 40 volunteers help us set up the store this year, and it was amazing to see everyone pitch in. There were people of all ages—little kids, seniors, families—it was just great to see the whole community come together to make it happen."
This year’s OCC shoebox store is open from November 12 to November 20. The store is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., including this coming Sunday. People can come in, pack a box, and make a donation to help cover the cost of shipping and supplies.
For those interested in contributing, de Klein encourages everyone to get involved and experience the joy of giving.
"It’s such a blessing to be part of this, and it’s so easy to get involved. Even if you just pack one box, it makes a difference. These gifts can change lives."
The Blumenort Shoebox Drive is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s a chance for the community to come together, make a global impact, and bring a little extra joy to children in need this Christmas season.
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes will be collected the week of November 18 to 23. You are welcome to bring your boxes to Blumenort Community Church at 59 Centre Street, or the Landmark Christian Fellowship Church, 172 Main Street, Landmark.