Our History

Born of a widow’s grief, Operation Care International (OCI) has been formed as a nonprofit ministry dedicated to caring for the homeless in Dallas and around the world.

Since November 1993, when founder Susie Jennings and a group of volunteers distributed 100 new blankets to the homeless living under the Canton Street bridge (overpass) near downtown Dallas, OCI has been faithful in carrying the message of love and hope to those in need through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read Susie's Story

Over the next nine years, the ministry assisted organizations in West Africa and Southeast Asia, and provided more than just blankets to shelters and individuals in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex — all accomplished without corporate sponsors or Federal assistance (Praise the Lord!)

To learn more about how this ministry started, read our founder's story, which demonstrates the truth of God's word found in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."

Our Expanding Mission

Today, the mission of Operation Care International has expanded to encompass at least four or five major charitable events each year. Each event generally has a theme:
• The spring event, which celebrates Easter, provides personal care products, clothing, Bibles and gospel tracts to individuals at shelters or on the streets.
• At summer events, bottled water (labeled with the message of hope), personal care products, Bibles and gospel tracts are distributed.
• For Thanksgiving, as the weather turns cooler, we deliver clothing, personal care products, Bibles and gospel tracts.
• We close out our calendar of events with the nation’s largest Christmas party for those in need, held for the past seven years at the Dallas Convention Center. Each year, thousands of people form lines early on a cold December morning for this special event. It is amazing to witness what our loving Father has prepared for both guests and volunteers alike.

The vision that God has placed in Susie's heart is that in cities across the nation, similar events will be held celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and providing a place where the homeless and the outcasts of our society will be the special guests.

What a birthday party that would be for the King of kings, giving hope to America’s homeless and needy by sharing the love of Christ. As the Bible tells us, “He who has pity upon the poor lends to the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:17).

Our Future

What are our plans for the future?