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Operation Christmas Child will host a sports-themed celebration Saturday at First Baptist Church’s Christian Life Center, highlighting the organization’s work across nine North Central Arkansas counties.
The event, called “SCORE with OCC,” will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 1205 Spring Street. Admission is free.
Organizers have set up the event to mirror a live sporting event, complete with emcees, referees, cheerleaders, a sideline reporter and stadium food including hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts.
Shari Alexander, area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child in North Central Arkansas, said the celebration will feature local, regional and international updates on the shoebox ministry, celebrate collection totals from last year and announce 2025 MVPs.
“North Central Arkansas is on the move to share more Gospel opportunities,” Alexander said.
Since collection efforts began in 2006, churches across the nine-county area have contributed nearly 217,000 gift-filled shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child’s global effort.
“That is pretty amazing,” Alexander said.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, has delivered more than 232 million shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries and territories since 1993. Each box contains toys, school supplies and hygiene items. For many recipients, it is their first gift.
The organization also operates The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson discipleship program for shoebox recipients. Since 2009, more than 46 million children have enrolled.
Alexander said organizers hope to have representatives from all nine counties in attendance.
For more information or to register, contact Alexander at 870-404-1030.
