One of my amazing readers sent in this story written by her husband about the Christmas that he received a shoebox from Operation Christmas Child.
Growing up in Romania, Christmas often did not mean presents or Santa Claus for me. Usually my mom would try to make a special meal that day but very rarely did we ever get presents. One Christmas stands out in my mind and that was the year I got a gift from Operation Christmas Child. There was a non for profit organization in town and I had gone to a few of their kids’ clubs and played soccer there. When Christmas came around we were told that they would be giving us shoeboxes of presents for Christmas, sent by foreigners.
I was so excited as they handed me a shoe box and I wondered what could be inside. I closed my eyes and thought “if I could choose anything to be in this box what would it be?” My first wish was for what every 10 yr old Romanian boy would want, a soccer ball. I loved to play soccer but didn’t have a ball of my own. In fact, I didn’t have many toys of my own. Of course I knew a soccer ball could never fit into a box that size, but it didn’t matter to me I was just happy to have a present. When I opened the box I could not believe my eyes! Inside was a small, sturdy, soccer ball! It just needed to have air pumped into it. It felt like a miracle.
I have since grown up, moved to the United States and graduated from college. I watch my own kids’ eyes light up as they open their presents Christmas morning. And I tell them about a small shoebox that made Christmas special to me, many years ago.
Want to learn more about how you can participate in Operation Christmas Child? Be sure to check out this post.
Tammy Mauk says
I usually don’t comment. This story brought tears to my eyes. It sounds like a wonderful program. God truly works thru others.
Natalie says
Operation Christmas Child is the best thing ever. Not only do these children get Christmas presents, they get to hear about the love of Jesus. Truly amazing. I love hearing these stories and being reminded how God is ultimately in control of these shoe boxes and meets their needs.
Charity says
I loved reading about how this ministry impacted his life. Our church has gathered boxes for several years. Our family has always done 2 boxes. Our kids loved doing it so much that they asked if we could do 4 boxes this year. We’ve been collecting items all year and have 4 boxes filled to the brim and ready to go. :)
Stacy W says
what a great story. teared up when reading it to my daughter. DEFEINTLY will back a box or two even though money is very tight this year.. it’s even worse for them. Thanks!
Kristen D. says
This made me want to cry. <3
Kelly says
What an amazing story! We give a box to church every year so this story really touched my heart. I hope that my gifts are as special to the children as your gift was. Hugs!
Kim H says
Wonderful! We’ve been doing these boxes for years now thru our church. this year we are excited to actually be able to track the box to where it is going! thanks for sharing your story!
HeatherS says
What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing! We pack boxes with our two children every year and this past Sunday we had a packing party at our church. I love how my children get so excited about giving to another child.