Christian Education Outreach Project… Operation Christian Child

While searching for a Christmas project that my four-year-old could really grasp, an article was published in our local church bulletin. The idea was so simple in concept and the charity so worthwhile, I knew many of you would find it meaningful also.

Operation Christmas Child is supported by an organization called Samaritan's Purse. The project spreads joy, hope, and the Gospel to hurting children worldwide through gift-filled shoeboxes and relief aid. In the words of Franklin Graham, president of and son of Billy Graham, "The project is simple. Take a shoe box, fill it up with some toys and send it on to children who have lost everything."

Where to begin?

Gather an empty shoebox to fill with an assortment of gifts.

Decide if your gift will be for a boy or a girl and the age. Age 2-4, 5-9, or age 10-14.

Shop (watch sales) for your box contents. Note suggestion list below.

A $5. Check to Samaritan's Purse assists shipping costs.

Contact Samaritan's Purse at 1-800-353-5949;on the www at http://www.samaritan.org; or ship or mail your package to: Operation Christmas Child 810 Bamboo Rd P O Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607

Can't shop, but want to help? Make a cash contribution and let other elves at Samaritan's Purse do the shopping.

Suggested Shoebox Gifts:

Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, plastic kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, small Etch A Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), slinky, etc.

School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons, markers, stamps and ink pad sets, coloring books, solar calculators, writing pads or paper, etc.

Hygiene items: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, washcloth, etc.

Other: hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries, ball caps, socks, T-shirts, toy jewelry sets, hair-clips, watches, small picture books, etc.

Do NOT include the following: Toy guns, knives, or other war-related items. Chocolate or perishable items. Liquids of any kind (shampoo, lotions, bubbles, etc.) Used items Medicines of any kind (vitamins, cough drops, etc.) Breakable items (mirrors, china dolls, etc.)

In addition to the articles you place in the box, Samaritan's purse will also distribute Christian literature. Also, please pray for the child receiving your gift. You can include pictures of your organization and address for correspondence if desired. Through this process, we can share the true meaning of Christmas with thousands of children and their families.

Service Project Report written by Mary Wendt, En Croix Support Team