Christmas in July Recap

Welcome back to the OneCompassion blog! This week, we’re thrilled to share exciting updates from our Christmas in July ministry.

Last week, we wrapped up our annual back-to-school outreach by delivering much-needed items to more than 75 families across Johnston County. Through these efforts, over 200 children received new clothes, school supplies, food, and a gospel-centered outreach.

Thanks to your incredible support, we were able to donate:

  • 2,891 Clothing and Hygiene Items

  • 3,902 School Supplies

  • 1,015 Food Items

The planning process for Christmas in July begins in early May. After receiving family referrals from local school social workers, our OneCompassion team reaches out to each family to confirm their information and schedule a delivery date.

Once families were contacted, it was time to shop! We hosted three dedicated shopping days, with 20–25 volunteers participating in each. Every shopper was assigned a family and provided with the children’s clothing sizes, preferences, and specific needs. After shopping, volunteers returned the items to our warehouse, where they were placed in each family's designated bin.

Over the following weeks, additional volunteers and community groups came to the warehouse to pack school supplies, sort snacks, and organize bins. These moments were not only productive but also meaningful opportunities to connect with our community and foster relationships.

Finally, delivery days arrived, July 17 and 18. Across two days, we sent out six rounds of volunteers to hand-deliver bins to each home. During the visits, volunteers were encouraged to start conversations, offer prayer, and invite families to OneTable, deepening our connection with the community.

Christmas in July was a tremendous success, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who supported, volunteered, and prayed for this ministry. None of this would have been possible without your partnership.

We look forward to seeing you again in December for our Holiday Ministry!

Eva Long