The Ceres drop-off center for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) held a “Christmas in July” shoe box packing party at Grace Community Christian Church on July 29.

OCC sends shoe boxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items and toys to children in need around the world along with an invitation to learn about Jesus Christ. The main collection time is in November for National Collection Week though OCC hosts various events throughout the year at different drop off locations.

The volunteer packing team of Coral Matich, Jan Bowman, Allison Anderson, Emma Grissom, Susan Bowman, John Hendry, Nancy Turner and Kathy Hersey packed 48 boxes with items donated by the church and community during July.

For more information about events benefiting Operation Christmas Child in your area, to donate or volunteer, visit Operation Christmas Child’s Facebook page, OCC - Stanislaus County, or email Media Coordinator Susan Bowman at bowmansusan77@hotmail.com