I love putting together Operation Christmas Child Boxes. This is a sweet ministry that sends boxes of goodies to children across the world, while bringing to them the message of Jesus Christ. I’ve talked with with people who received a box as a child, living in a war torn country in poverty, and it touches my heart to hear how much something we take for granted- soap, pencils, a few toys, becomes a cherished memory. It’s a little box of hope and love.
Shoebox gifts are given to children regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or faith. We seek to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way through each shoebox gift. Children do not have to do or say anything to receive the gifts. We work in and through local Christians in each country who understand the context in their area. Simple gifts—packed with love in Jesus’ Name—deliver hope and joy to children all around the world, regardless of their faith or religious background.
To participate, you simply fill a traditional sized shoe box or a plastic shoe box storage container with items appropriate for a child in one of the following age groups:
- 2-4 Girl
- 2-4 Boy
- 5-9 Girl
- 5-9 Boy
- 10-14 Girl
- 10-14 Boy
I love to use plastic shoe boxes, because the box itself becomes another gift, and it’s a way to keep their special gifts clean and together! We usually go to the Dollar Tree and select items that they would like, or keep our eyes out for deals on small items that will bring a smile to the faces of the children for whom we pack boxes.
Here are a few ideas:
- Crayons or markers
- Coloring book
- Stickers
- Small toys
- Doll
- Stuffed Animal
- Balls
- Jacks
Be sure to keep an eye on the blog for affordable deals that would go perfectly in a shoebox!
Once you have assembled your box, you can visit the Samaritans Purse website to download and print your label for your box. You will need to include a check for $9 to cover the shipping for the box. You can also give your donation online using the Follow Your Box Donation method. This will enable you to track your boxes and know where in the world it ends up!
Samaritan’s Purse will be collecting gift-filled shoe boxes at more than 2,900 drop-off sites in all 50 states and Puerto Rico during National Collection Week, Nov. 18th – 25th, 2019. To find the nearest drop-off location, call (800) 353-5949 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.