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Operation Christmas Child: Donation Week

by Toni Herrbach

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Yesterday I took my kids Christmas shopping. I know Thanksgiving is still over a week away, but we weren’t shopping for our family. We were shopping to fill our shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

If you are like me, Operation Christmas Child kind of snuck up on me this year. This week is drop-off week, which means this is the last week you can pack and drop off your shoeboxes at a location near you.

OCC is one of my favorite family giving activities. I think it is important for my children to realize they have so much, while many children have nothing. One of the easiest ways I can make this real to my children is to have them pack a shoebox for another child.

If you aren’t familiar with Operation Christmas Child I recommend you watch this short video to learn more about it or visit Samaritan’s Purse website.

If you are familiar with OCC here are a few things you might not know.

  • Children only receive 1 shoebox in their lifetime, so don’t skimp!
  • You can follow your shoebox after you drop it off. This is a fun activity for kids.
  • You can include a letter and photo of your family in your shoebox. Your child might write back (no guarantees).
  • You don’t need to use a shoebox. You can use a plastic shoebox available at Target, Walmart or similar stores.
  • The OCC website has a great list of suggested items to put in your shoebox (as well as a list of items that can’t be shipped).
  •  
    I know many families are struggling this year to make ends meet, but if you have a little extra you can give, or a cabinet full of freebies like soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hard candy, school supplies, etc you can use those items to create an amazing shoebox for a child who has probably never had a gift in their life.

    It’s not too late! You can drop off your shoeboxes until this Saturday so there’s still time to make this a family giving project for 2011.

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    Comments | 2 comments

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    Comments

    1. Dee Humphrey says

      at

      Just packed mine for a girl; so much fun!!

      Reply
    2. Minna says

      at

      My kids and I just finished packing our shoe boxes. This is such an inexpensive and simple way to show God’s love to those less fortunate. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful ministry. 🙂

      Reply

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