Trinity Lutheran Church is hosting a “Christmas in July” packing party as part of Operation Christmas Child.

It will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the church, 13770 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. (corner of Fountain Hills and Palisades boulevards).

The get-together will be a combination hands-on project along with familiarizing people with Operation Christmas Child.

“We want to meet you, share some Operation Christmas Child news, ideas for getting your church or community group involved, and have a packing party,” said Amy Heuer of Trinity Lutheran Church.

“We’ll provide many of the items for the packing party. We also invite you to bring either toothpaste, crayons, coloring markers, colored pencils or school scissors.”

Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child.

Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the message of Christianity.

They are delivered prior to Christmas and typically include toiletry items, other supplies and small gifts.

So that organizers can plan for the July 26 packing party, they’re asking interested residents to RSVP by emailing occscottsdalearea@gmail.com to indicate an interest in attending.