At our November 19th meeting, we will be packing boxes for operation Christmas child.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Each table will decide how many shoe boxes they would like to pack as well as how they want to pack the box. We will then turn in the shoe boxes and they will be taken all over the world to kids that this may be their only gift for Christmas. The OCC staff also shares the gospel with the kids when giving out the boxes.
Below are some gift ideas to include in each box.
TOYS:
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES:
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS:
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
OTHER:
hard candy and lollipops, mints, gum, (please double bag all candy), T-shirts, socks, underwear, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
A PERSONAL NOTE:
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans
Also, 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 Samaritan's Purse
EZGIVE option. EZ Give is a simple, convenient way to make your shoe box donation online by using a credit or debit card, eliminating the need to place a check inside the box. It also gives you the ability to be able to track the package and receive an email letting you know that your package has been delivered to a child in need.
Or, if you choose, 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.
Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38
