Mequon church invites volunteers to help send gifts to children around the world

“This may be the only gift that this child has ever gotten or will ever get in their whole life.”

That’s what Operation Christmas Child project co-leader Melissa Knous and Christ Church in Mequon are inviting the public to be a part of this Saturday.

The church is hosting its annual drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the church, 13460 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon. The event brings volunteers together to form assembly lines to put together care packages for children around the world.

“Essentially we pack up boxes of supplies and fun to spread love and care around the world,” Knous said. “Each single child will get a box, and we like to think that these boxes carry more than just the stuff in it; it shares that they are loved not only by God, but also by folks in America.”

This year the church hopes to package more than 1,000 boxes full of all sorts of things, including hygiene items such as washcloths, soap and combs and other gifts such as school supplies and toys.

“It’s humbling to see somebody get so excited over something like a washcloth,” Knous said.

Volunteers can arrive at the church anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Donations can be dropped off that day or on Sunday mornings as well.

After the boxes are packaged at the church, they will be processed in Chicago and then sent off to all corners of the world. For those willing to pay for the shipping of the boxes they pack, there is an added element.

“If you pay for the shipping, you can get a label that will go on your box and attach to your email, and you can follow where your box ends up landing,” Knous said.

For more information on Operation Christmas Child, go to www.ChristChurchMequon.life/shoeboxes or call 262-243-3093.

Other things going on in the North Shore area this week include:

Settlement Christmas Showcase: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at Cedar Creek Settlement, N70 W6340 Bridge Road, Cedarburg

Christmas tree lighting: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Bayshore Town Center, 5800 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale

“Last Call at Chez Mort” murder mystery: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, and 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at Memories Ballroom, 1077 Lake Drive, Port Washington. $35.

Wisconsin Singer Songwriter Series: Peter Mulvey with Katie Dahl: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Unitarian Church North, 13800 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon. $20 in advance, $24 at the door.

“Christ the King” Celebration choir concert: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Concordia University Wisconsin’s Chapel of the Christ Triumphant, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon. Adults: $8; children 17 and younger are free.