Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse that shows and shares the love of God by delivering toy filled shoe boxes to children all over the world. ODCC partners with several local churches and individuals to collect items throughout the year.

The ODCC Children and Youth ministries play a big part in this ministry by encouraging their parents and peers to participate by collecting toys and other items. The children learn the importance of working together as they stuff the shoe boxes and then present the filled boxes to be prayed over by the entire congregation. These shoe boxes filled with love and hope teach the children to model Jesus' behavior by selflessly sacrificing for and giving to others. The children learn how being the hands and feet of Jesus here at home can have a global impact as Pastors around the world host outreach events in places where children may not know Christ and invite them to follow Him.

From the shoe box packers that pray for the boys and girls who will receive the boxes to the local teacher who pray for the kids who will attend their classes; prayer is the key to the work of the Operation Christmas Child. ODCC agrees with Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan's Purse, when he said, " I want every child to know there is a God who loves them."

For more information about this ministry, please contact Barbara at missions@opendoorccofdillon.org.

"I love to help and I love to give to people who are in need. The Lord has laid it on my heart to do this ministry and I must say I have had great joy doing it for the past 4 years." -Barbara F

Relay For Life is a fundraising event benefiting the American Cancer Society's research, programs, and services. ODCC participates in this event because several of its members have been personally impacted by this disease. Many of them walk with us each year in celebration of their own healing and/or in memory of loved ones who lost the battle to cancer.

"I relay because I lost my dad to cancer 9 years ago and I must say without the help from the funds from Relay my mom could not have afforded it. I not only relay for my dad but for my granddad, my uncle, my aunt, and my friends. Cancer affects each one of us in some type of way and if you see someone asking for a donation even if it's just one dollar that too will make a difference in someone's life." -ODCC Relay Team Captain

Relay For Life began in the USA in May 1985 when a colorectal surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, wanted to raise money and awareness of cancer and boost the income of his local cancer charity. Your donations help cancer patients through services and programs such as transportation, lodging, guidance through their cancer experience, breast cancer support, and online communities and support including a 24/7 helpline. At Relay For Life no donation is too small, each and every dollar counts.

Please contact Barbara at missions@opendoorccofdillon.org if you have questions about joining the ODCC Relay Team or would like to make a donation.