Looks like it's time to pack some shoeboxes.
One Sunday years ago, our Pastor announced that our church would be participating in Samaritan's Purse outreach, Operation Christmas Child. It was simple: all we had to do was take empty shoeboxes, fill them with gifts and turn them in. The ministry team would then organize the shoebox deliveries to needy children around the world, many whom had never received a gift before.
We heard touching follow-up stories. One little boy was given a shoebox filled with toys and other goodies including a bundle of pencils. He carefully removed one pencil from the bundle, then handed the box back to the ministry worker. When the worker explained that the entire shoebox was his, not just one pencil, he was surprised with joy. Hearing stories like these brought a lump to my throat and made me realize once again just how much we take for granted.
We set aside part of Sunday afternoon to pack our shoeboxes. First, we gathered all the boxes and goodies on the dining room table and went over the plan. Jonathan knew the drill from previous years, but for the first time Elizabeth grasped what it was all about. Her eyes opened wide as we explained that we were putting together these boxes for children who didn't have many toys or much of anything else.
The kids then packed the shoeboxes. The boys were quick to decide what to put into their boxes: hot wheels, balls, puzzles, etc. Elizabeth, however, took things a little more slowly. She went over each item carefully as she pondered what a little girl might like to receive.
After the boxes were filled with toys, they were topped off with candy and gum. Family photos and letters will also be added before they are sent off with our love and prayers.
After surveying the stack, Jonathan said, "Oh, it makes me so happy to think about how happy the kids will be when they get these boxes!"
I smiled. Mission accomplished.
For more information about this wonderful ministry, please visit the Operation Christmas Child website.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
We have done Operation Christmas child with our kids and our sunday school class for the past three years. It is truly a worthwhile activity.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are older, so toy catalogs don't hold the fascination they once did, but boy when the Future Shop catalog arrives, they jump!
Kim (Upward Call)
Very wonderful post, a pleasure to read :) God is greatly blessing you and your kids!
ReplyDeleteWe would like to get some boxes together this year too! Could you please write a quick list of the items you purchased to place in the boxes? I never know what to get and how much is enough. These decisions stop me from doing this project. Help me along. pretty please?
ReplyDeleteDonna
Sure, Donna! I'm thrilled you'd like to join us for this project! 1) First, decide whether your box will be for a boy or a girl and choose an age category: 2-4 years, 5-9 years, or 10-14 years. Go to the link below and print out a label.
ReplyDelete2) Here are ideas on what to pack. Toys:small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yoyos, small Etch a Sketch, Slinky, small Magna Doodles, puzzles, etc. School supplies: pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, stamps and ink pads, coloring books, writing pads, solar calculators, stickers, art stencils, etc. Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb, brush, etc. Misc: hard candy & lollipops (highly desired!), mints, gum, sunglasses, small flashlights with extra batteries, toy jewelry, hair clips, t-shirts, ball caps, socks, watches, small picture books, etc. (You can probably find a lot of these items in the stocking stuffer aisle at Walmart or similar store.) Optional: A family photo and/or letter.
3. What NOT to pack: Used items, war-related items (toy guns, soldiers, knives), perishable items (chocolate, canned foods, crackers, etc.), liquids (shampoo, lotion, bubbles, etc.), medicines (vitamins, cough drops, ointment, etc.), breakable items (mirrors, china dolls, glass items, etc.)
Here's where you can find more info and print out a label for the shoebox: How To Pack A ShoeboxThe neat thing is that each shoebox is as individual as the person who packs it. And the Lord directs each shoebox to the right child. :-D Hope this helps, Donna! Please let me know if you have any other questions!
More info:
ReplyDeleteDrop Off Locations & Deadlines:-)
The video about the project gives me a lump in my throat. I am so ashamed of the simple things I take for granted.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be gathering the supplies and packing up our boxes at the end of the week.
Our church is doing this, but I only know that from seeing the posters strung about. I mistakenly thought it was a "donate your money, we'll make the boxes" kind of thing. THANK YOU for posting the details of your day of boxing (and I always love the pictures of your precious children- so sweet). We need to make a phone call tomorrow and do this! Thank you, thank you!
ReplyDeleteDy
Kim: What is the Future Shop catalog?
ReplyDeletePhisch: Thank you!
Meredith: I forgot to mention the video. It makes me cry, too. Speaking of which, Jonathan reminded me that we haven't watched it yet this year.
Dy: Oh, I'm so happy you'll be among the blessed-box-packers! The thanks go to YOU! :-)
Linda, the Future Shop is a store that sells home electronics things, such as CD players, MP3 players, digital cameras and CD's. They also sell home computers, and all of my children have very greedily decided they'd like their own laptops. Not! I get one first!
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving me the link to Rebecca Writes. What a gem of a blog! I'm taking a closer look at your blog roll. You have some fantastic ones!
Kim: Oh, I see--the American equivalent would be a Best Buy or Fry's. I agree, Moms get first dibs on laptops!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found your way over to Rebecca's blog. It's fun to introduce friends. You both remind me of each other! :-)
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for a while now. I really enjoy it. We're going to do the shoebox thing soon too. It was so inspiring to see the number of boxes you did. We'll have to do more than 3 this year too. That Toys r Us thing came to us too. My daughter has been looking at the pictures of the babies and Disney princesses. I need to get it away from her :)
By the way, I'm another Meredith, Meredith B. from the comments section at Buried Treasure. Is this other Meredith a different one from the other two that identified themselves recently at Carmon's blog?
Blessings.
Meredith (the latest), thanks for dropping in. Our daughters sound alike. Does yours also say "Awwwww!" with *much* drama when spotting something cute she has to have?
ReplyDeleteWell, you will not believe this, but my Meredith (a dear friend and the only Meredith I know) is a different one than the other three at Carmon's--so that makes number FOUR! Only in cyberspace, eh?
One more note on OCC. When you visit the website, you can order the free promotional video. It is wonderful in its heart-wrenching way.
ReplyDelete