Saturday, November 19, 2011

Operation Christmas Child

Every year Samaritans Purse collects boxes for a charity they call Operation Christmas Child.  For those who don't know what it is- you take a standard size shoebox or plastic box of the same size and fill it with gift items for a needy child.  We usually do toys, candy, personal hygiene items, warm socks, scarves or gloves.  This year we also added a canvas tote bag to each box. 

You can enclose a note with your gift and sometimes the children will write back.  (We have never had a child write back yet though.) 



Then we pray for each child that will receive our boxes.  In countries where it is not prohibited by law, Samaritans Purse also gives them a book when they receive their box.  It is written in their language and tells them about the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ.


We usually allow each of our children to do a box for their own age/gender.  But this year the children talked and were concerned maybe nobody would pick the oldest boys and girls so we did a box for each gender and age category.


Here are the children packing their boxes-





















Kylie is not pictured above because she was recovering from getting ear tubes when we took the pictures.  But here are the things she picked out for her box.



Feel better soon Kylie.



Drop off Day






If you have never filled a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child but are interested in doing it next year just click on the verse below for more information.  It is such a tangible way for children to help other children.

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.
Deuteronomy 16:17

3 comments:

  1. You all were able to get a whole lot into each box. That is fantastic. What a great job!! I love that each child was able to fill their own box. It is great that you start teaching them to give to others at a young age.

    I didn't realize Kylie was getting ear tubes this week. Praying for you Kylie!!

    Off the subject, was this retirement home week? If so, what did you all do? We really miss visiting those wonderful people.

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  2. Kristin,
    I don't know if you saw my comment on Michelle's blog but I do want to encourage you that these boxes will get to the kids and will change lives! One day when we were visiting Noah at the orphanage we saw some big and new looking cardboard boxes in the trash, the words on them said Samaritan's Purse :) I have no idea what was in those boxes but I was so encouraged to see them. In this day and age where there is so much mismanagment of funds and gifts it was great to see that Samaritan's Purse is making sure that aid arrives to the least of these. I can tell you what a big difference it will make in the life of an orphan. I would have been so appreciative for Noah to get a box like this while he was still at the orphanage. Thanks for being the change!

    Blessings,
    Grace
    http://www.silvamoose.com

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  3. Lanita, There will be a retirement home update coming soon.
    Grace, that is really encouraging to hear. Sometimes when it comes down to actually doing the boxes it feels like "one more thing" to do. Sometimes I need the encouragement of the videos online that show how much the boxes mean to the children. It is great to hear a first hand account of Samaritans purse working in needy communities.

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