As parents, naturally we all want to teach our kids values like compassion, kindness, and generosity. There’s really no better time than now to start, by packing shoe-box gifts for children in need through Operation Christmas Child.
The lifestyle of giving has been instilled in me since I was a little girl, and my husband and I have tried hard to teach it to our kids as well. As a family, throughout the year we give to our church, various charities and other events, but this is our first year participating in Operation Christmas Child.
We had a blast at Wal-Mart shopping for the items that are on the list of things the kids need, and were able to find everything for $1 or less. We purchased enough to pack three boxes, and spent $39.94. That’s under $10 a box! I couldn’t believe it. For less than the price it costs my family of seven to go through the drive-thru, we are able to bless three separate children this year with items they need and can play with.
My sons middle school is having a donation drive for each homeroom to put together boxes for Operation Christmas Child, which I’ll be sending all these items to, but for that price, I’ll definitely be going back and grabbing more to donate.
What exactly is Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child is a non-profit organization that has inspired millions to pack Christmas shoe-box gifts for children in developing countries around the world. This year, Operation Christmas Child expects to reach a milestone with more than 100 million children receiving shoe box gifts since 1993. That means at least 100 million children will have experienced hope and the love of Jesus Christ! BUT, it doesn’t have to stop there. Their plan is to go above and beyond 100 million. There are over 2 billion children in the world and half live in poverty. They hope to collect more shoe box gifts for children this year to reach as many as possible.
Gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
How you and your family can participate in Operation Christmas Child-
1. Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Learn how to pack your shoebox HERE.
OR Pack a virtual shoe box online through Build-A-Box!
2. Boy or Girl?
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. You can download a label online or click the Follow Your Box option to get a special label to learn the destination of you shoe box gift.3. Fill it up!
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child such as toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. A list of suggested gift items is available here.
4. Donate $7
Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our Follow Your Box option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing
more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.
5. Drop Off
Click here to find the closest drop-off location during you and drop off your box during OCC’s National Collection Week, Nov. 12-19, 2012.
You can also send shoe box gifts year-round to:
Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607
How you can stay connected with Operation Christmas Child
Facebook:facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes
Twitter: @OCC_shoeboxes and hashtag #OCCGiveBack
Pinterest:OCCshoeboxes