Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child has got to be one of my favorite times of the year! This time last year our family packed 4 boxes, 1 box from each child and our boxes went to Bolivia. But this year I had a much LARGER plan. We have scraped and saved items all year long. 2 of my 4 children actually received some of the  items (for the boxes) in place of birthday gifts (totally my idea) you can read about that  here, but the kids really enjoy giving to others and do we really need more junk toys that are made in China? I think not :) This year my goal was 3 boxes per child = 12 boxes. And guess what we made it happen. I carefully planned, saved, bought, helped my kids pack and prayed over 12 boxes.

12 boxes for 12 children that may never get to hear the gift of Jesus along with a box full of treats and the gift of Jesus. You see with each box Samaritans Purse provides each child with a bible in their native language, and show a video about Jesus love for them. Here is  what it looked like when we began our boxes.

I try so very hard to be thoughtful and intentional when collecting items for the boxes. You see most people don't realize that a box for a 10/12-14 year old boy would like coloring items, games, and toys. I would not even know this if I hadn't traveled to the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Children in America are not like children in other countries.  My 13 yr. old would care nothing for a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils but in Haiti a 13yr. old boy would be delighted!
Some items we send are toothpaste, tooth brushes, wash cloths & soap (in a freezer size bag for them to keep it in) crayons, colored pencils, sharpeners, small games, hard candy, suckers, play jewelry for the girls, socks, small stuffed animals, pencils, sunglasses, coloring books, notepads, hair bows, combs, flip flops -I am secretly hoping our boxes go to Haiti :) pencil pouches that zip and this year I packed it all in plastic shoe box size containers. After all the plastic boxes will hold up better than a cardboard one, it gives them a way to keep it all together, clean, and dry. Here  are a few looks into packed boxes.



This box was for a boy age 2-4

Girl age 2-4

Girl age 12-14

Packed and ready to go. My kids always ask why I cry as I pray over the boxes with them. I tell them I'm so thankful and blessed that we are able to give children this gift. That we are so fortunate in what we have, and that we  give out of our love for Jesus. And my heart swells with the love He has shown me. I'm so thrilled that Chris was able to be with us this year as we dropped of the boxes.

If you are interested in Operation Christmas child check out http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ

It is already too late to fill a box for this year, as today is the deadline. You can always be ready for next year :) Toys for Tots is another great way to give to children, check out drop locations in your area for guidelines. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving, be blessed and bless those around you!

Ideas for Operation Christmas child items welcome, if you used something different tell us about it.