Orlando Children’s Church is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit Saturday morning program for underserved youth in the greater Orlando area. It was founded by Peter & Isabel O’Driscoll in September 2002 with the support of many faithful individuals who shared their vision.
OCC began on a Saturday morning with two vans and a handful of visionaries picking up about ten children to bring to church. The vision they shared was to reach children living on the fringes of poverty through no fault of their own, powerless to meet their own needs. There was a message of hope and life for these kids that needed to be delivered. Years later, OCC has grown into a ministry that serves hundreds of families and has ten school buses that pick up approximately 100 children to attend Saturday church every week.
“Saturday Church” is presently hosted by Anchor Church Church of Maitland. Loaded buses begin arriving at 9:15 a.m. Children from kindergarten through 12th grade are greeted by enthusiastic volunteers who serve them breakfast donated by Maitland and Winter Park area McDonald’s. Kids are engaged in outdoor recreation activities until 10:15 a.m. Teachers and activity leaders engage the kids in lessons and discussion groups that encourage a greater understanding of themselves, their own worth, and how they can connect to God. We believe that the love of God and the hope found in Him change lives for the better. Buses begin loading at 11:00 AM to return the kids to their communities.
Through generous donations from churches, community businesses, families, and individuals, OCC is able to continue meeting the needs of children in Orlando.
Our message to these kids is this: You matter to God, and you matter to those around you. OCC is your church; it is your little world where you can learn that every action, every choice you make, and every word you speak makes a difference in this life and can make the world a better place.
For more information contact, 407.614.6145 or contact us at info@orlandochildrenschurch.org or by mail at P.O. Box 724, Winter Park, FL 32790.