Operation Christmas Child
 

Hope all of you are aware that Operation Christmas Child is in full swing - collection of the gift-filled shoeboxes begins next Monday, Nov. 16. Such a small way to bless a child or many children with the good news of Jesus plus a box full of goodies for them!!! When I saw the Brazillian (sp?) children that Sherri had posted, the shoeboxes were the first thing I thought of and hoped that one day those children would receive one!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

We just announced this last Sunday! Thanks for the reminder!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Misspresley,

Maybe you can give more info for those that might be interested!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/
go to this website and you can get all the information you need - there are guidelines for what goes into the boxes. The plastic shoeboxes (around $1.00) are the best to use because the child can reuse the box forever!! My friend, who has been over collections for several years and even went on a trip to deliver boxes, said that the boxes (in some areas) are used to carry water (can't imagine)! The children are not on the maturity level of American children, nor or most of them exposed to television characters, so keep that in mind when buying toys, etc. Flashlights, balls, stuffed animals, crayons and paper are loved by all aged children. I encourage all of you to fill a box this weekend - The Lifeway stores are dropping off points - the website will give you all the information! God Bless you for caring enough to send a child a little "love"!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Thanks!

For those with small children, I believe this is a perfect way to teach them to "give"!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

My 11 year old granddaughter loves filling the boxes - she's very methodical about making sure each box has equal amounts of candy, crayons, etc. We put together 4 boxes - 2 girls and 2 boys. It's very gratifying - never enough - wish we had the means to do 12 boxes!!! Also, please remember to put a check in your box to cover shipping - $7 for each box. It's really so little for what God has done for us!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

It's always good to also include toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc. Those things are hard to come by in other countries.

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

It looks like this needs to be done during November. Is there anything similar where it can be done in December?

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It has to be done in Nov so that it can arrive to the children in December.

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That's what I figured. Something in December would need to be local, I guess.

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

The boxes are not always delivered in December - My friends' trip (think she went to Uraguay) was not til March - it made no difference to those children! The pictures of the distribution were awesome - sad note - not enough gifts for all children in area - slips were handed out for admittance - She said children were on the outside looking in :( - Then if there is a miscount, boxes would be opened and divided so each child inside could receive something.

The receiving centers will be open thru Friday, Nov. 20.

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Our children DO NOT have a clue.

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

The children were so excited over - bars of soap!!! toothbrushes and toothpaste!!! it was so humbling to hear the stories and see the faces on those children - talk about the true meaning of Christmas!!!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Thanks, MissPresley! I found two locations in my area for drop off! :thumbsup

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Our church has been active in this for several years now.

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Love this, thanks for posting it! I just asked the girl who does the bulletin to a blurb in it for Sunday! :thumbsup

I used to do something for the kids I worked with at the homeless shelter every year, get them to make wish lists and then have people from the church pick items off of the list. Then I would do a pizza party right before Christmas and give them the gifts.

It was sooooo much work but so rewarding, I hated it when I had to stop. So this is a really great opportunity to get involved with something like that, to get my feet wet, so to speak. Maybe I can get up the nerve to try something like that with the shelter again if I get enough response to this!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

wonderful to see the response - especially with the economy like it is, we need to remember the children. I forgot to mention that at the main distribution center, each box is checked for appropriate gifts, then a booklet with the greatest gift of all, is included in the box. Again, my friend told of a child's booklet falling into the hands of an adult - and they received the beautiful gift as well!!!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

I'm glad you posted it too - - I enjoy doing it and you've made it easy for me this year!

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GOOD - GOOD - GOOD!!! There are never enough!!! Thank you all for helping - God gives so it can be given - I really believe that!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

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views are over 160 - let's try that math once more - 10% = 16 boxes now (and i work in accounting!)

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We didn't do the Christmas box but we did just buy some livestock through them.....

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I bought all my stuff for a girl's box! Can't wait to see how much I can pack in that one little box!!!!

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Just came from $ Tree with a few more goodies - needed pencils and sharpeneners - and picked up those LED flashlights - those will be fun!!! I just LOVE doing this!

Christmas Boxes
 

Hubby just dropped off L&T shoeboxes - He said there appeared to be a good turnout! Our friend was there and said she expects a good number again this year! Thanks to all who contributed!!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

I'm dropping mine off today.

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

This sounds like a good idea.

When will they do it again?

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It's an annual drive geared to the week before Thanksgiving - you can check out the website on my first post! It's a blessing, for sure!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Where did your hubby drop L&T's off?

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Bartlett United Methodist Church - (next door to Bethel)
there are signs that direct you to the back of the church

Thanks, Renda!!!!!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Our church has done this for several years. This year we were so blessed to be able to send 115 boxes! We start in August and each month there is a list for people to bring one item a month. Then, last Wednesday instead of Bible Study we had a "Box Stuffing" night with Christmas Cookies and Hot Chocolate. It was just GREAT!

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

That is a great idea and then everyone gets to work together and enjoy it!

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They should do it 3 or 4 times a year at least.

I wonder why they don't?

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People don't feel so "happy" to give until around the Christmas season - pretty sad, huh?

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That's my issue with it.

Good deal. Too bad it can't be something beyond what can be done when people feel all "Christmasy"

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I agree.

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Very good idea! Just curious, how was the $7/box shipping covered?

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

Samaratin's Purse receives donations all year long for all kinds of needs - espcially when natural disaster strikes a country - http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
Take a look at all the ministries they provide.

Re: Operation Christmas Child
 

I paid my $7 online so that I can trace my box to see where it ends up. I think that will be really exciting to see where it goes!