OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

[Noel+]

This charity is sponsored by Samaritan's Purse and gifts children across the world each year. When we moved to Arizona, we suggested it to our church and they now contribute. But individuals can contribute also! During the year we send financial gift.........but the true joy is filling, decorating, and shipping a shoebox filled with tiny gifts to SP. They hand deliver the box to a child not just at Christmas time but all year round, We include a letter and picture of our family for the child.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/

[Jodie]

That is just precious Noel.

Each year, we buy two presents (one for a boy and one for a girl) and put them under the wishing tree at Kmart or Target.

Helping out just makes it so much more special at Christmas.

I was going to see if there was a local organisation that I could help out with this year - I don't have a lot of time but it is good for the soul to help out, even a little.

I thought about seeing if the administrators of the aged care home had anything I could to - read to them or even bring Ollie dog up for a visit to brighten their day a bit.

[Noel+]

Oh, Jodie, the infirmed elderly are so often forgotten! What a gift to pet Ollie dog and chat with you at Christmastime! Bless your heart!

[Pixie Wildflower]

We do OCC every year. It is fun to buy for the kids. Oh Jodie, that is wonderful. I remember how thrilled my Mom was that the childrens choir from the local Methodist church came to sing for the residents last Christmas. They helped make her last Christmas a bright one. I remember when I was in school, we made crafts at art class and took to the nursing homes. These are good things to do, since many of the residents are seeing their last Christmas on earth. God bless!

[Snowbelle27]

What a lovely idea - you've certainly given me something to think about.

[Noel+]

I'm so glad Snowbelle!

[suzysnowflake]

We do this every year through our church. Now that my girls are a little older they like to do their own boxes. I think it's a great idea and we have fun doing it.

[Noel+]

Oh, Suzy, and how wonderful that children across the world will receive a box full of gifts hand chosen by your children!! Beautiful!!!

[Christmas_Eggnog]

What a wonderful idea, Noel. I've always regretted not being able to send my sponsored Child (Selena) gifts (World Vision won't let you). So now I can actually give something..even if it's not to my sponsored child. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[Pretjah]

my church has done Op Christmas Child for many years

we even had friends go on a mission trip where they were present when the gifts arrived.

they said it was amazing to see the affect it had on the children and their families

[Noel+]

Pretjah & Christmas Eggnog: the Gaither video series has one called Christmas in South Africa and they help hand out the Christmas boxes from Operation Christmas Child [with Franklin Graham]. I cried so hard watching those precious children rejoice over a toothbrush/soap and crayons! We are more deteremined than ever to increase the # of boxes and find more items to stuff inside them!

[SimplySarah]

Making up a shoebox has become one of our family traditions as well. It's so easy and fun for your children to participate in as well. We also "adopt a family" through our local church and go out and shop for a specific family. It is so fun to give annonymously at Christmastime.

[Noel+]

Making up a shoebox has become one of our family traditions as well. It's so easy and fun for your children to participate in as well. We also "adopt a family" through our local church and go out and shop for a specific family. It is so fun to give annonymously at Christmastime.

Giving to others is the true Christmas spirit and you obvious have a lot of spirit! Good for you!

[kiwidogy_max]

We have been fortunate enough to be able to live in a part of the world where have the means and willingness to help others. It is great to hear about how everyone spreads the true meaning of Christmas to others, halfway around the world.

[Noel+]

Its that time of year again. Our boxes are 3/4 full but still need to do more shopping. This charity is such a JOY!

[Christmas Crazy]

We love filling up the boxes also. A great way to show Christ's love to others.

[Noel+]

Great CC!

[Noel+]

Just excited to take our Christmas shoe boxes to church this morning! Samaritan's Purse will receive them Tuesday. This charity is a special joy!

[Noel+]

Today at church we've got a big need for more Christmas boxes for these precious children. Two more boxes for us to joyfully fill with love. Shopped before coming home but need more toys. This is going to be a great week!

[CandyKane]

Noel from your posts I understand that you fill boxes at home and then take them to church to be collected and distributed. We take things to church and then have a huge packing party. Usually a dinner followed by prayer over the boxes. Then everyone gets a box, decides boy or girl and what age, then dives in and starts filling them. It's always so great.