Operation Christmas Child

We have been long time supporters of Samaritans Purse and we have followed their ministry closely in Sudan and South Sudan. I was introduced to Operation Christmas Child (OCC) three years ago through our church. OCC is a shoe box that people fill up with toys, toiletries and candy based on gender and age. The Christmas boxes are then shipped out all over the world to children who might not have Christmas otherwise.

This year I wanted to do something different with the shoe box and give it an upgrade. Instead of using the standard shoe box in my closet I wanted to use something the children could use over and over. Earlier this year Costco was selling plastic shoe box containers in a set of sixteen. I thought I could paint the lids with chalkboard paint and give the children chalk and that way they are able to use the box long term because its plastic and not cardboard but also the lid could be used for a double purpose.

The shoe boxes have been on my to do list before baby arrives for awhile now. This past Sunday Hubby, Ava and I went to the dollar store and stocked up on a bunch of goodies for the boxes. Ava was so excited to pack the toys for the children in China and Africa that we couldn't wait for the lids to painted. So we packed our boxes and this weekend and Hubby will paint the lids with chalkboard paint sometime this week. Please visit Samaritans Purse to get more information and pray about sending out boxes. This was a great way to serve with a toddler.

If you would like to know how to pack a shoe box and when national collection week is click this link and all the details are listed on Operation Christmas Child resource page.

Cheers.