Have you heard of Operation Christmas Child? It's a wonderful organization that turns the simple act of filling a shoebox into a dream fulfilled for a child who has nothing. It is a division of Samaritan's Purse, which is run by Franklin Graham. You can find more about it **here**
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| Source: Operation Christmas Child |
Our church has been participating for a number of years now. Last year we had 60+ shoeboxes, and this year I believe we will surpass 100. You can order boxes from Samaritan's Purse, use a clear shoebox size tote, or cover a shoebox with wrapping paper (wrap lid separate).
There is a larger church about 45 minutes from us that acts as a collection site for the shoeboxes. There, they begin their journey into the hands of a child. My grandsons who are 3 and 5 years old, each pack a shoebox with their parents. They learn at an early age not everyone has what they do.
There is a larger church about 45 minutes from us that acts as a collection site for the shoeboxes. There, they begin their journey into the hands of a child. My grandsons who are 3 and 5 years old, each pack a shoebox with their parents. They learn at an early age not everyone has what they do.
Below is a picture of some of the ladies from our church preparing to deliver to the collection site. My friends Judy and Sheila, and my mother on the far right.
I read on their site, "You can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone". Take a look at this pinterest board by Operation Christmas Child, just look at the happy faces of the children who received a gift. You can view it **here**
If you'd like to pack a shoebox, you can find everything you need to know **here**. If you are local to me and would like to participate through our church, just let me know. You can check their website for a drop-off location near you. National collection week begins November 18th.
I'd suggest for a boy or girl ~ something soft they can cuddle with, such as a beanie baby, or a small soft doll or stuffed animal. Bright cheery colors, things that sparkle or glitter; things that make noise such as a harmonica, school supplies, flashlights, hair bows, jewelry.
For more ideas you can view the Operation Christmas Child Pinterest Board **here**.
Since they began in 1999, Operation Christmas Child has delivered over 100 million shoeboxes to needy children around the world. At their headquarters, each shoebox is inspected and the gospel message in their own language is included.
The scripture graphic at the top of this post says:
You are following this scripture when a shoebox is packed. I love the picture of the little girl included here which says: God always puts the right box in the hands of the right child. Pack and Pray!
The scripture graphic was made using a free graphic from sweet Dawn at The Feathered Nest. It is free for personal use or sharing.
Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you have a blessed week.
I read on their site, "You can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone". Take a look at this pinterest board by Operation Christmas Child, just look at the happy faces of the children who received a gift. You can view it **here**
If you'd like to pack a shoebox, you can find everything you need to know **here**. If you are local to me and would like to participate through our church, just let me know. You can check their website for a drop-off location near you. National collection week begins November 18th.
I'd suggest for a boy or girl ~ something soft they can cuddle with, such as a beanie baby, or a small soft doll or stuffed animal. Bright cheery colors, things that sparkle or glitter; things that make noise such as a harmonica, school supplies, flashlights, hair bows, jewelry.
For more ideas you can view the Operation Christmas Child Pinterest Board **here**.
Since they began in 1999, Operation Christmas Child has delivered over 100 million shoeboxes to needy children around the world. At their headquarters, each shoebox is inspected and the gospel message in their own language is included.
The scripture graphic at the top of this post says:
Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40
You are following this scripture when a shoebox is packed. I love the picture of the little girl included here which says: God always puts the right box in the hands of the right child. Pack and Pray!
The scripture graphic was made using a free graphic from sweet Dawn at The Feathered Nest. It is free for personal use or sharing.
Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you have a blessed week.
Good Morning Abby! What a beautiful service project!
ReplyDeleteLoved the photos of the actual shoe boxes, and your friends with the carload of gifts. Our church supports local families at Christmas with gifts and gift cards. I love that the season can bring out the best in giving, as well as receiving!
Happy Tuesday!
Ceil
A very worthy cause indeed! Thanks for sharing all the info needed to do this project. ~Pamelyn
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this with us. I have heard of Operation Christmas, but did not know much about it until now, thanks to you. It sounds like such a worthy cause and would love to be apart of it so I am off to read more. Thanks again, Abby.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, friend!
How wonderful! We don't have that here but the Catholic Church asks every child in school to bring a gift for a similar scheme. Thank s for sharing this and may God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteA lady in our church organizes Operation Christmas Child every year. We also support an orphan village in Mozambique, where some of the boxes are distributed. We have gotten to see some pics and videos of the kids when they open their boxes. It is a wonderful sight how so little can bring so much joy.
ReplyDeleteBlessing hugs,
Teresa
My shoe box is ready. I've had it sitting on the bottom stair since I thought what a good one it would make. My mother and I used to do this together...the shopping, the packing, the decorating. It's a wonderful ministry.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this! Our church is committed to 1,000 boxes. Our family is committed to 50 of the boxes (25 boy and 25 girl) I have been buying and collecting for the whole year. I have mine just about ready. I need to get all the boxes folded and have my 3 daughters fill them. This is so wonderful for them to help others.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, a couple in our church adopted 2 sisters from Russia several years ago...they shared how when they were in the orphanage in Russia, they were recipients of a OCC box. They cherished the gifts inside like there were gold! Such an amazing testimony.
So if anyone ever wonders if this is a legit organization, it is!
Blessings,
Valerie
I had not heard of this, I will have to pass this on to our church.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the graphic Abby - our church has also been filling shoe boxes for some years - and one of our members accompanied them to Fiji one year and her testimony was amazing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Glad to hear so many of you already participate in this. Valerie, your comment re: the adopted Russian children is touching. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDelete