This is about our tenth year to take part in Operation Christmas Child. Through the years we have developed a plan to make as many boxes as possible for as little expense as possible. We do this by shopping all year long for the shoe boxes. For example, the shirt below I purchased at Children's Place for only $1.00 after summer season was over.
These cute leggings I was able to buy for only $.59 after halloween at Target!!! Needless to say, I stocked up on these!
Brandon and Bryce made a large storage box for all the goodies we gather throughout the year. We keep it in the garage and add to it all year long. We hit the off-season sales, back-to-school sales, etc. By the end of the year we are always surprised at the amount of items we have collected. By doing it this way we are able to fill many more boxes with very nice gifts. If we waited until November, when the boxes are to be turned in, we would not be able to fill very many due to the expense. Also, this keeps my children mindful of those less fortunate all year long!
I must add that I am very thankful and so proud of my daughter, Brooke. She truly has a heart for this program and missions in general! I wanted to include her post that she sent out to her Facebook friends ("encouraging" them to participate in Operation Christmas Child) to my blog today but I couldn't find it. In her writing she made it very black and white about where our priorities are as spoiled Americans. She stated it so well. Brooke was blessed to be able to go on a missions trip to Haiti one summer and it has forever changed her life. The stories she has shared with our family are heart wrenching!
Along with each shoe box that is delivered each child gets a booklet, provided by Operation Christmas Child, in their language of the plan of salvation. My children also include in each box a letter sharing their name and address and telling the child that they are loved and we are praying for them. Sometimes the child will write a thank you letter back, however, we have never received one.
The shoe box collection is over for this year but I hope I have encouraged you to begin collecting now so that next November you will be able to participate in this project as well! For more details go to samaritanspurse.orgBe a Blessing!
3 comments:
Most likely you are reading this in the comfort of your own home. If not, you know you have a place to call home. Air conditioner, food in the kitchen, a bed to sleep on... Imagine a child in a world where a dirty floor is where they lay their head, muddy water is all they have to drink and the love of a family may never be felt.
This is more than a commercial on tv, this is real! I dont know about you, but the thought of a child in that situation moves me to want to take action. Being a mother of 3 small kids, I can barely get to the grocery store without help so reaching out to the less fortunate seems beyond anything I can offer. That's why I am so excited about "Operation Christmas Child." This organization allows my family to give christmas presents to children around the world without having to leave my town. How much easier can they make it before we make an effort to participate?Through the years, I have received hand written letters from children that have opened boxes from our family. It is so rewarding to know you brightened a day in a hopeless situation!
Maybe you would like to be a part, but dont have time... if you have any items you could donate I will arrange for them to be picked up. If you would like to contribute empty shoe boxes, maybe an old beanie baby collection, unopened bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes... There is a complete list of items needed at the link below. I will be packing my shoe boxes for the next 2 weeks and will pick up, package and deliver as many boxes as possible.
If you tell yourself money is an issue, think about this email next time you drive through a fast food restaurant or pick up that bag of chips in the grocery store. We can afford what we want and that is the truth for any income.
Please consider being a part of this wonderful ministry! Contact me for more information!
The deadline for shoe box drop off is November 15th. However, I will be collecting again for next year so no gift is too late!
Yes Brooke, thank you. That was the "encouraging" letter I was looking for.
the poverty is beyond our understanding here in america!
I am to love God enough to be contented. . . . When I lack proper contentment, I have forgotten that God is God. . . . A quiet disposition and a heart giving thanks is the real test of the extent to which we love and trust God."
--Francis Schaeffer in True Spirituality, Chapter 1
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