OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift- filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love.  This program of Samaritan’s Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands- on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas -- Jesus Christ

Our Parish will be collecting all boxes Nov. 9th-11th during Religious Education (CCD) so we have time to check them and get them to the drop off location in time for Christmas Delivery.

Here are 3 ways you can participate

1.  Do a shoebox with your family

  1. Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.

  2. Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Get the appropriate boy/girl label from the youth office (available on the door). Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

  3. Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.

Gift Ideas from their website
TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)  But be sure to ask your parents about this first!

Do Not Include:
Used or damaged items; liquids or lotions; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans; things that require batteries as once the battery dies, they cannot replace it.

  1. Donate (if Poosible) $7 for each shoe box you prepare helps cover shipping and other project costs.  Make your check out to Samaritan's Purse (note "OCC" for Operation Christmas Child on memo line) and place it in an envelope, inside your box, on top of the gifts. If you or your family is preparing more than one shoe box and are able, please make one combined donation.  You can donate on line at www.samaritanspurse.org once there click EZ Give. 

*The suggested donation increased to this amount in 2006 due to higher shipping costs and expanded evangelistic outreach. This is the first increase since the project began 14 years ago.

      5.   During Advent, pray for the child who will receive your gift.  This way you are giving all during the Advent season.

2. Do part of a shoe box!   

Donate one of the items below:

3rd graders:  gather school supplies:  Pencils, sharpeners, pens, solar calculators.

4th graders:  gather small toys such as balls, yoyo’s, cards, jacks

5th graders”  help gather personal care items:  toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, etc.

6th  graders:  gather school supplies:  crayons, markers, memo pads, coloring books

7th graders:  wrap hard candies in a zip lock bag and bring them in

8th graders:  help gather personal care items:  toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, etc, see list above.  - these may not seem like gift ideas for you but they are really needed that is why we are asking you to do these as well, 2 bars of soap will last longer and an extra toothbrush can go to a sister or brother who didn’t get one.

High school:  By now you are experienced shoppers.  It would be great if you could help add the extras such as:  Gloves, hats, socks, small stuffed animals, etc.  Watch for sales and in dollar stores for bargains.

Anyone – Your help is always needed to pay for a box, feel free to do this if it is easier for you.  Shipping for each box is $7.

3.     PRAY!  Perhaps you just can’t do a box this year You CAN PRAY!

God is inviting you to give the best gift.  Commit to pray for the Operation Christmas child, that all the boxes get to their destinations, for the safety of the volunteers who deliver the boxes, and for the children who will receive them. 

REMEMBER – WE NEED ALL DONATIONS BY NOV. 11th

For more information refer to the brochure you were given at Youth Group or visit them at www.samaritanspurse.org click on Operation Christmas Child.