Operation Christmas Child.

Can you imagine what it must feel like to know that Christmas is approaching, but you cannot give your child(ren) even one gift? Nothing, not even a lollipop. Christmas might even be the last thing on your mind because you're struggling to provide your child with food and shelter and safety. How discouraging and sad so many millions of parents across the world must feel every year for those exact reasons. But, imagine this: amidst your sorrow, a stranger from across the globe sends your baby a present! Not just any present, but a whole box stuffed full of toys and school supplies and treats!! And, on top of it all, you are told that this gift was given out of the love of Jesus Christ. What an amazing feeling, and what a ministry!

Last year, 8.2 million children in need received a Christmas box in the exact manner that I described above. With each box, a book telling the story of Jesus was distributed in the child's native language. Operation Christmas Child is an amazing program that is operated through Samaritan's Purse. And, this week is National Collection Week--only 6 days left!!

If you haven't packed a box (or two!), please prayerfully consider doing so. It's easy to do--all you need is a shoe box (or a plastic box of that size), and a quick trip to the store. Chose an age category for your child (2-4, 5-9, or 10-14 years) and gender, then go shopping! You can fill your box with small toys, art supplies, school supplies, hygiene items, and even some sweet treats! Find a list of suggested gifts here. When your box is full (sometimes these require strategic packing when you get a little more enthusiastic than your box has space for!), you can wrap it so that the lid can still be opened. If you like, you can include a letter and a photo of yourself in your box. If you include a self-addressed envelope, the child might write back!
Next, go online to this page and donate $7 per box to help with delivery costs. The site will then give you a bar code that you can print and tape to the top of your box. This code will be scanned, and you will be able to track your box to its destination country. Lastly, find an Operation Christmas Child drop-off location near you here, and drop off your box to be shipped!

This is an awesome opportunity to get your kids involved in giving to other kids. (Even if they're little--the shoe boxes are fun to pack!!) Now go pack some boxes and wish some little ones a very merry Christmas this year!! Every child deserves a Christmas, and a gift that comes with the love of a stranger and the message of Christ is the best kind!