Giving Back: Operation Christmas Child
Each year, we like to switch gears and get ourselves into the mindset of giving when it can be so easy to be trapped in the mindset of getting. This year, we decided to donate to Operation Christmas Child! It was so fun, easy, and an awesome program. I’m so excited that we did this and am happy to share with you how it works!
Their Mission Statement:
Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is so neat that we are able to help children around the world! It’s amazing to think about the joy they will have when they open a shoebox filled with items that we take for granted daily.
How to Pack a Shoebox:
- Find an average shoe box. If you want to get crafty and wrap it, you can but be sure to wrap the lid and box separately. 🙂
- Choose Gender and Age. You select boy or girl and then choose between ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. This is completely up to you but we chose a girl in the same age range(or close to) as our daughter. I felt like the idea of watching out for someone Isla’s age made it much more personal to me. It made me realize that I was packing a gift for a baby girl just like my daughter. I also got to have her help pick out what we were going to pack. This is a great option for those wanting to teach their older kiddos about giving back. They can totally be apart of the process! It’s awesome to watch them think for others instead of themselves. It’s a great life lesson!
- Fill with gifts. This will look different for everyone. They suggest choosing 1 medium or large “wow” item such as a doll, stuffed animal, ball and pump, etc… and then fill with other small items like toiletries, school items, or toys. Be sure to check out the list of approved and non-approved items! 🙂
- PRAY! Pray over the kiddo that will receive their box. Also, you can include a photo of your family and letter to have it be more personal.
- Donate $9 to cover the shipping of your box and watch it travel!
- Drop off. You can drop it off at any local place during the collection week of November 13-20. You still have time if you want to make one! 🙂
I love the Holiday season for so many reasons but we really love using this time to be thankful for what we have been given and share it with others. I hope that you make the decision to give back and join Operation Christmas Child in truly making a child’s Christmas special. If you can’t do this this year, I urge you to keep it in mind for next year!
All in all, this box cost me only $30!! INCLUDING THE $9 SHIPPING. Will you be willing to make that sacrifice of only $30 to make a little one’s Christmas? <3
Merry Christmas!
XOXO
