It’s that time of year again. What time? Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. And now, more than ever, I am conscious of all the children in the world who need a little sunshine. And personally, I need to spread a little hope, even if beyond my borders.
So, I have my boxes on the table ready to be filled. I know its not even Halloween or Thanksgiving yet. But my spirit and attitude soar when I glance at the boxes surrounded by happies and little pretties.
If you’ve never participated in this project, you might want to gain information from Samaritan’s Purse. The shopping for special items takes me from thinking of myself to the part of me who wants to give to others, especially children. I’ve tracked my boxes in the past years as they traveled to Mexico, Panama, Ukraine, Guatemala, and Colombia. I wonder where they will go this year.
It might be a little early to say Merry Christmas, but why not? I plan on enjoying and celebrating the season beginning with these boxes.
For more information go to: www.samaritanspurse.org/occ
Have you participated in anything like this or with Samaritan’s Purse?
Yes, we usually do this every year.
I grew up with parents very involved in Samaritan’s Purse. It is a great project! I remember having boxes stacked and ready to fill in the church basement and often spilling over into our house. Such a worthy and rewarding project!
A friend of mine and I have been participating for years now. Our church also has a shoebox packing party for our children and youth. We usually start shopping for them in August but this year we were helping with children going back to school. We usually send 14 boxes and we pack started packing for the older age group since our children packed so many for the younger age. We even have a wish list on Amazon and a list of what we get at what stores. Just like you, they bring joy to my heart and we love getting together to pack them and pray over them. Have a blessed time packing yours this year and God bless you!! 🙌🏻
OH my yes. I used to give money to Samaritan’s Purse to fill shoeboxes but now I do something better in my opinion. I go through their catalogue and send money for Bibles and Christian Literature each year now. The shoeboxes are a great idea too.
I have a sponsor youth from Kenya through Compassion that I send gifts. One of our television stations in two along with Salvation Army does a yearly toy drive for children. I purchase the toys and take them to the drop off. This year there are so many needs.
What fun! You filled so many beautiful boxes! How lovely! I remember shooing for items with you and sorting them into 20 or 30 boxes each October! What a great activity for those in need in the world!
I’ve done OCC for years 🙂 one of my favorite things!