Left to right: Steve Bishop, Lynn Bishop, Sharon Green, Jim Green, Veronica Long, Alice Switzer, Dennis Switzer, Greg Long, and Dave Douglas. Over 500 boxes were packed for 4- to 6-year-olds. Stuffed animals were donated by PetSmart Charities.
The Hermosa Ballroom ready for the 2021 Packing Party
Steve Bishop
Attention Robson Ranch residents: the 2022 Packing Party is set for Thursday, Nov. 10. There will be two sessions:
* 9 to 11 a.m.
* 1 to 3 p.m.
The goal is to pack 1,500 boxes (this is 1,000 boxes fewer than last year). The two sessions will allow you to pace yourself and/or to more easily fit in a time which meets your schedule. There will be a break area, which will allow you to rest and have refreshments.
A committee from Rock Springs Church has been busy the last several months buying the gifts for the boxes. The gifts were purchased by donations from the church and from many individuals. This is our first attempt at having the packing party without the leadership of Dave and Bev Douglas. Consequently the party will have a different look. Most of the items have been purchased in bulk and have been specified for certain ages. You will be provided with information on how to fill your boxes.
How can you participate in Operation Christmas Child (OCC)?
1. You can pack your own individual box. The boxes will be available in the Sport’s Center the week before the packing party (Oct. 31 through Nov. 4). Your boxes can be delivered to the Hermosa Room on November 10 or to one of the committee members listed below. You will be given directions for filling your personal box.
2. You can participate at the packing party. Attend one or both of the sessions.
3. You can contribute financially to support our local effort. The biggest expense is shipping the boxes—each box is $10. So if we meet our goal of 1,500 boxes, $15,000 is the shipping cost. Also, each child who receives a box has the opportunity to participate in a series of classes, The Greatest Journey, introducing him/her to Jesus Christ. The cost for each child is $6, which covers printed materials and training for leaders. Donations can be made at the packing party.
Operation Christmas Child has been a growing tradition at Robson Ranch. It is a great opportunity to have fun with your neighbors and make new friends. You can contribute to the joy of the Christmas season for a young person in many places of the world who experience few economic opportunities, war, and famine. Sometimes the boxes are even delivered to people in the U.S.: refugees, poverty stricken areas, and places suffering from floods, wildfires, or other disasters. Finally, you can help these young people learn of the love of God as expressed in our boxes and in the class available to them.
Our involvement in OCC is but a building block for an outreach that will affect more than 11 million children.
We hope you will be able to participate this year.
Committee members are Jim and Sharon Green, Bob and Cindy McManigle, Laura Schaible, Bob Pomplun, and Steve and Lynn Bishop.