National Collection Week is quickly approaching for Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan’s Purse project delivering hundreds of millions of gift-filled shoeboxes to boys and girls around the world in hopes of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Each shoebox delivered represents a gospel opportunity – each distribution, the gospel is presented to the children in their native languages. The children who respond to the gospel are then invited to participate in a 12-week Bible study called “The Greatest Journey.” Once they graduate from the class, they are then given a Bible in their own language.
Shoeboxes help fulfill the great commission – go forth and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.
For several, traveling and visiting foreign countries is unpractical. However, packing a shoebox, or multiple boxes, is a rather simple task.
For packing items, Samaritan’s Purse recommends a standard-size shoebox. However, some prefer packing items in a plastic, shoebox-sized container that the children and their families can repurpose.
Packing tips:
- Include a “wow item” – stuffed animal, baby doll, deflated soccer ball with a pump, etc.
- Personal Care Items
- Clothing/accessories
- Crafts/activities
- Toys
- Personal Note
For more information on what items are allowed, click here. Shoeboxes are also catered to specific age and gender groups – boy/girl ages 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14.
Samaritans Purse asks donors to not include war-related items, liquids, breakables, toothpaste, candy and money (except the $9-shipping donation.)
Though the donation is not required, the $9-shipping donation should be placed on top of the items in the shoebox If there are multiple boxes packed, the donation can be placed inside one of the boxes. National Collection Week is Nov. 15-22.
PHOTOS samaritanspurse.org
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