Have you ever heard of Operation Christmas Child? We found out about it 2 years. It’s such a great organization.
You take a standard shoebox and fill it with toys and treats for a child in need. You can choose if you want to fill for a boy or girl and what age range: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.
My kids have such a blast with it each year. We go to a local store and shop with a certain age in mind. We save room for some treats. Who doesn’t like a sweet treat every once in awhile?
Here are simple ideas for packing a shoebox:
Yo-yo, Slinky, harmonica, small plush animal, hairbands, small cars, stickers, coloring books, candy necklaces.
Imagine the delight on a child’s face who never receives a present. Who never has had anything to call their own.
It has truly shown that them Christmas is not only about receiving. It’s about thinking of others who have much less than we do.
Just like most children I know they take it for granted that they received presents. That they can actually make a list and receive some of the things they want most.
We all take our wants and needs for granted.
My need list:
A new robe (it’s not so soft anymore)
New sheets (faded, discolored)
A wafflemaker (fell apart a few weeks ago)
My needs list doesn’t even fully comprehend what a ‘NEED’ is. My needs list is almost embarassing.
A child in need:
What’s a robe? I don’t even have a coat.
I wish I had a bed of my own.
I’ve never heard of a waffle. I’ve only ever had oatmeal.
A needy child’s need list:
Clean water
Warm blanket
Shoes
So challenge yourself to give to others in need this Christmas. We are so blessed by God here in America.
Go make a difference in this world. It doesn’t take much.
Have you ever packed a shoebox for a child? If so, what was your experience?
Love and blessings,
Melanie
You can read all about packing a shoebox here.
—————————————————————-
I’m on a journey of reaching out to others. Hand to hand. Heart to heart. To read about my past weeks of helping check out these links.
Week 1 – Nursing Home
Week 2 – Umbrella and a Smile
Week 3: – A Visit
Week 4: – Teaching the Little Ones
Week 5: – Small Difference
Week 6: Gift of Gratitude, Just Because
Were getting together tomorrow night with a group from church, to put together our shoeboxes. I cant wait this is our 1st year doing this!! I know I take a lot for granted and this helps me remember there are other people out there that need help. I hope to make this a yearly tradition from now on:)
That’s awesome. Can’t wait to hear how it goes! That should be a lot of fun.
I have not heard of operation Christmas child before – what an awesome idea to help a child in need! My daughter and I have taken part in other “stocking stuffing” Christmas initiatives before but this one I need to look into more. There is an organization here in GA that we have been involved in year round, it’s Adventure Bags, they provide a stuffed back pack to those children who are displaced due to parents being arrested or other circumstances, very often these children are taken from their homes without even a toothbrush; “Adventure Bags” puts together backpacks with age appropriate necessities and a stuffed animal and hand written prayer and message that these children are loved.
Love how you are getting your children involved – they are gonna be such compassionate and giving adults one day
Thanks Sashi. I pray that they are compassionate as adults. I love for them to be involved in knowing and helping. Adventure Bags sounds like a great organization is well. There are so many ways to help. All we have to do is take the first step. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂