It's Time. Please Do This.
Every year, I write a post likethis asking you to make a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry ofSamaritan’s Purse. It seems each year the need is greater, but this year especially.This is not a sponsored post and I receive no remuneration for doing this, butI do it because I believe in this cause.
In the years since OperationChristmas Child began, Samaritan’s Purse has given 209 million children shoeboxesin over 170 countries. Each shoebox carries the message of God’s love.
Children are also invited toattend a study called The Greatest Journey sponsored by Samaritan’s Pursepartners as a follow up to receiving their boxes.
I mentioned a few years back thata woman attending my collegiate alma mater had been adopted as a child from anorphanage in another country. In that orphanage, the only gift she received eachyear was the shoebox through Operation Christmas Child. Her favorite thing inthe box was not the toy but the toothbrush, because in her facility manychildren lined up to share one toothbrush every evening. She was delighted tohave her own for the first time ever.
These boxes are important andhave lasting effects. The woman above in gratitude for Operation ChristmasChild organized her own drive for boxes in her college community.
This year collection week is November13-20 and those drop off locations are listed on the Samaritan’s Purse sitewhich I will link to at the end of this post.
This year, my sister and I againpacked twenty-five boxes. I tell you not to brag about us, because that numberis small compared to a friend of mine who has packed as many as 160 a year. Itell you because I shop all year for deals on school supplies, toys, and hygieneitems so that I can make more boxes. Consider doing that as well and increaseyour boxes each year.
I’m including pictures below of aboy box and a girl box as examples of items you can include in your box. Weinclude a soccer ball (air deflated from it) and pump in the bigger boy boxes, because that gift can windup being one for a whole village. And I heard from someone who had traveled withSamaritan’s purse to deliver these boxes, that you must include a metal car forthe boys. That’s one of their favorites.
When you pack the box, pray forthe child who will receive it, and imagine the joy on their faces when theyremove that lid.
If you’re stretched for time, youcan donate, and Operation Christmas Child will pack the box for you. But take amoment right now and make the choice to click on over to the OperationChristmas Child site and investigate the opportunities. You’ll be very glad youdid.
“Whenever you did one of thesethings to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did itto me” (Matthew 25:40 Message).
I have a story in anotherChristmas Anthology, Celebrating Christmas, from Grace Publishing. No authorreceives royalties, but they are donated to Samaritan’s Purse. So, here’sanother way to support this cause. Many thanks.OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD HERE.
