OCC Christmas boxes are destined for Third World children

BREWSTER – Countless needy children throughout the Pacific Rim countries will have something to smile about this season as millions of gift boxes arrive with treats, gifts and surprises from others who took the time to care.
And many who care are right here in Okanogan County where more than 1,000 of the holiday decorated shoeboxes were handed out, filled, collected and delivered to become a part of the millions eventually distributed to third world children.
Greg Thorn, Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Brewster helped spearhead the local Operation Christmas Child (OCC) in this area as part of the nationwide campaign that turns thousands of such efforts into millions of gifts.
The boxes are filled and donated by individuals, churches, business and community organizations across North America,” said Thorn. “The national collection week ended on Monday, Nov. 19.”
Thorn said 1,238 boxes from Okanogan County were delivered to the collection center in East Wenatchee. From Wenatchee the boxes will go to a Los Angeles processing center before beginning their journey to Pacific Rim recipients.
“OCC is a ministry of Samaritan's Purse International Relief and this Christmas they will deliver around 12 million shoebox gifts,” said Thorn, who has served as the Calvary pastor since 2013.