Mayor Pam Hoots did the honors of cutting the ribbon for the opening of the 2025 OCC drop off campaign. November 17th–24 has been designated worldwide as national collection week for OCC shoebox gifts. Pictured from left Jace Cole, Judy Cole, Dierks Cowan, Mayor Pam Hoots, Diana Eastham, Christine Williams and Denise Fudge.
Diana Eastham made the first drop off of the 2025 OCC shoebox season. Diana is enjoying her first year of retirement from teaching and has spent much time in putting together beautiful shoebox gifts.
Knifley Christian Church is always one of the first to drop off shoebox gifts at the drop off location which is located at the Wheet Fellowship Hall, 1200 Jamestown St., Columbia, KY. Pictured are Jace Cole and Dierks Cowan with the beautiful shoeboxes that were prepared by the Knifley Christian Church.
Five-year-old, Stevie Ray Gilbert packed a shoebox gift for the first time in his life. He said he truly enjoyed putting all the wonderful items inside his shoebox gift. His great grand mother, Debbie Hadley agreed that both she and her great grandson had received a wonderful blessing by participating in this year’s OCC shoebox drive.
The Antioch Church made the last drop off of shoebox gifts on day one. Pictured our JeanAnn and John Weis. They have been helping Antioch collect shoebox gifts for many, many years.
Melissa Fudge dropped off these beautiful shoebox gifts from her and husband, Danny Fudge of Breeding, Kentucky. More individuals and families like the Fudge’s, than ever before are now packing shoebox gifts through OCC to share the gospel with children all around the world.
The Murphy family has been packing shoebox gifts as long as the children can remember. Pictured are Elizabeth Murphy, Seth Murphy, Kevin Murphy, and Tyler Murphy.
(Mark Fudge, Green River Area Coordinator – Operation Christmas Child)