by Marianne Meriwether
A great pre-holiday project for your family is Operation Christmas Child's shoebox gift program. For years, our family has had lots of fun seeing just how much stuff we can get to fit in a shoebox or two! (or three...or four....) If you've never participated, you'll be amazed at what WILL fit. It's exciting to shop together for bargains. One of the best things to put in your box is a personal note and family snapshot. Enclose your note and photo in a separate envelope. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) The child who receives your gift will know who cared enough to send a gift--perhaps the only gift the child will receive this year.
As you plan your boxes' contents, choose to pack the box for a boy or girl, and pick an age category (2-4, 5-9, or 10-14). Let your children choose the category, set a budget, and help shop for items. As parents, plan a way to make the giving more meaningful to your children. Help the children have a neighborhood lemonade stand/bake sale with the proceeds donated to Operation Christmas Child. Sacrifice pizza night or another family treat and use the money saved to purchase items for your boxes.
The boxes do not have to be gift-wrapped, but if you do, please wrap the lids separately so they can be easily opened. Put a strong rubber band around both parts and bring them to the church office anytime between now and November 8. It also takes about $7.00 to ship a box, so enclosing a check to Samaritan's Purse is a great help.
Children are invited to bring their boxes with them to the Children's Feature on November 8. It would be great to see a wall of boxes so huge that the choir would have to sit in the balcony!
The most important thing to put in your boxes is prayer. As you pack them, pray for the children who will receive them. Pray for their safety, their health, and for them to see the love of Jesus sent through the gifts. Your family will be blessed to know you've helped, even in this small way, to make a difference in the life of a child.
There are brochures available in the church foyer with complete directions on what you can and cannot include. You can find more information or download official shoebox labels at
www.samaritanspurse.org.
GIFT IDEAS
