Come visit us today
Operation Christmas Child (OCC) at The Door
Not everyone can be a missionary, but everyone can change lives by sending a shoebox to child.
How many shoeboxes have been sent so far?
In 2023, The Door collected 412 shoeboxes which contributed to the Lake of the Ozarks area total of 16,654 shoeboxes.
Operation Christmas Child has been operational for over 30 years and delivered over 200 MILLION shoeboxes to kids all over the world. The impact of the shoebox ministry has increased over FIVE times which equates to countless millions coming to know Christ as their Savior!
How can I get involved with the local OCC team?
The local OCC team supports Lake of the Ozarks area. It encompasses five counties stretching from north of Versailles, east to near Jefferson City, south to near Lebanon and west to Stover. OCC is a year round ministry, and we are always seeking those who want to fulfill Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19 to help spread the gospel.
For more information, contact Barry Lovvorn (303-579-7322), Irene Lovvorn (303-514-4571), or Kate Radford (573-502-9182).
What is The Door's Goal for 2024?
Our 2024 goal is to build and ship 450 shoeboxes!
Items are purchased and brought to the church all year long. We focus on specific items throughout the months of July, August, September and October. In November, we host a Packing Party at The Door to pack the shoe boxes with the items purchased and the toys personally hand-crafted.
What kind of toys do you make?
We make wooden cars, carry bags, and jump ropes throughout the year.
How can I help?
You can help by donating materials and the giving of your time and talent in making these simple, low cost toys.
We need the following materials:
- 2x4 wood (any length)
- #6 3/4" wood screws
- Cute fabric remnants
- Thread (various colors)
- Pony beads
- Bracelet charms
- Fleece remnants
- Felt fabric
- ¾” bingo or tiddly wink chips
- Buttons
- Clothespins
- Leather straps
- Nylon rope for jump ropes
Please place your donated materials in the OCC barrel in the church foyer.
If you want to help make these great toys, please contact Barry Lovvorn (303-579-7322), Irene Lovvorn (303-514-4571) or Anne Hansen (858-663-2457) for more information.
What items do I need to buy?
We are collecting items all year long. We have our focused item collection campaign July though October. Received items are organized into the following categories: ages 2 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, Boys, and Girls. Each month we focus on a specific group of items.
JULY - Personal Care Items
AUGUST - School Supplies
SEPTEMBER - Crafts and Toys
OCTOBER - Clothing and Accessories
The church is buying the WOW gifts for each box. If you are interested in contributing WOW gifts, please feel free to donate the gift along with your monthly items.
Can I contribute items all year long?
Absolutely! Christmas and Easter sales are a great time to pick up the bargains. Purchased items can be dropped off in the OCC barrel located in the church lobby all year long.
Which items CANNOT be sent?
Items that CANNOT be sent include the following:
- Food, candy, or gum
- Liquids
- Medication
- Toothpaste
- SOAP! (bar or liquid)
- Money
- Used or damaged items
- Breakable items
- Scary or war-related items
- Matches, fire starters or aerosols
- Wearable traditional camouflage
- Knife, saw, or razor blades
- Seeds or organic matter
How do you cover the expense for shipping?
Our church members hold silent auctions and fill "collection pill bottles" with our loose pocket change.You can pick up a collection pill bottle can be picked up at The Door.
Can I give online?
Soon, you will be able to build shoeboxes on the OCC webpage. The numbers of boxes you order online are automatically added to our church shoebox tally. The cost per shoebox is $25 for items, packing, and shipping. You can also track your shoebox all the way to it's destination country! Just scan the QR code with your phone or click BUILD A SHOEBOX ONLINE. As you shop, don’t forget to ask God to lead you to what will particularly delight the heart of a child!
Can I buy items from Amazon for OCC?
Yes. As an optional resource, Operation Christmas Child has an Amazon Storefront with additional lists of quality items that are recommended for shoeboxes. Just scan the QR code with your phone or click AMAZON STOREFRONT. As you shop, don’t forget to ask God to lead you to what will particularly delight the heart of a child!
Where can I get additional information?
You can get additional information about OCC on the Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child webpage by clicking the button below.