For nearly a quarter of a century, Landmark volunteers have brought Operation Christmas Child (OCC) to life, turning the basement of Landmark Christian Fellowship into a festive holiday wonderland. “When a box reaches a child’s hand, it reaches the community,” says Ina Reimer, coordinator at Landmark’s OCC. The goal is simple but powerful — to share the joy of Christmas with children who might otherwise go without it. “There are stories of whole communities being changed because of children having received the boxes.” Christmas comes early Although it’s October, Reimer says it’s never too early for the holidays. “Right from the time you walk in, we want you to know that Christmas has come a little early,” she notes. “All of our trees have got decorations on, which are teddy bears, stuffies, dolls, things like that, but they are intended to be picked off the tree,” Reimer explains. Packing up hope The group prepares supplies to fill 2, 000 boxes each season — a goal that continues to grow as more people get involved. The addition of a new photo booth allows families to snap a Polaroid and include it in their box — connecting givers and receivers. “Those personal touches make the box special.” Reimer encourages participants to add a personalized letter or card as another way to bridge the global connection. A community effort For Reimer, the project is deeply personal. “The world is full of strife and struggles... we want (people) to realize there is something they can do, and when you do that, it not only brings joy to you, but to people in other parts of the globe.” Families, youth groups, homeschoolers, sports teams and even birthday parties are welcome to come and pack boxes together. Participants can also track their shoeboxes online for an extra $12 per box, allowing them to see where their gifts end up — whether it’s Costa Rica, Ukraine, or beyond. The shoebox store is open Tuesdays from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. now until Nov. 22. “We want to encourage people who have lost their joy when they come in, (we want) to make an environment where they’re going to have a good time and be able to bless others,” says Reimer. Almost 25 years later, that same spirit continues — bringing joy to children and communities around the world. With files from Laura Kathleen Turner