Operation Christmas Child

This is a project or "operation" that sends out shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items, candy, etc. to children ALL OVER the world who are in need. The volunteers go to extremely remote areas as well as urban areas and pass out in an orderly fashion these shoeboxes that people put together and donate. The most important thing, though, is the gospel message given to them IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE! How cool is that! The story of Christ and salvation is written for them in a booklet in each child's own language. If your shoebox goes to Panama, it will be written in Spanish; if it goes to Vietnam, it will be written in Vietnamese; if it is headed to Egypt, the pamphlet will be in Arabic or another language the children would be able understand, etc... You don't have to worry about the children not being able to understand- God takes care of that! There is more detailed information on the Samaritan's Purse website so just go to the Operation Christmas Child page (or click on the link!) and read about the specifics.

Last year, my husband and I sent two boxes; one for a girl and one for a boy. We later found out (through the labeling process you go through if you print them off the internet) that our boxes had gone to Libya! It is really neat knowing where you boxes go and knowing that two (or however many you send) children are opening those boxes from you, hearing the gospel of Christ in their own language, and having joy that they may not have experienced before. Brings me to tears when I watch the videos.

Here are a couple of links to the videos on Operation Christmas Child

Madagascar

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Oksana's Story

Livia Satterfield Story

Here are some pictures of the boxes we are sending this year. I got everything from Dollar Tree (where everything is only $1.00 in the store!) and Wal-Mart. Last year, I got EVERYTHING at Dollar Tree and spent about $15 dollars per box. That included soaps, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, hair pins, toys, markers, sponges, etc. This year I probably spent about $20 a box and included some clothes, candy, and other items. Wal-Mart was having a sale and I got a boy's t-shirt and shorts set for only $1.00!!! A ton of summer items are dirt cheap right now and for a child that lives in a hot climate all year-round- this is perfect! If you want to pack a box, I suggest shopping at Dollar Tree and the Wal-Mart clearance section! Go to the website for suggestions on neat things to put in the box!

I hope more people decide to do this!