Friday, November 18, 2011

...they are precious in His sight...

Ever thought about participating in Operation Christmas Child sponsored by Samaritan's Purse? You'll find details on their website but essentially it involves filling a shoebox full of little goodies to be sent to a child in need somewhere in the world. They ask for a $7 donation with your box to cover the cost of shipping and if you pay this online you'll get a bar code to print and attach to your box. This way you can track it and see where in the world it ends up. There are collection sites all around the world and you can find the one nearest you by visiting the Samaritan's Purse website.


I finished my box up last week so I could drop it off at church on Tuesday morning. You're able to choose the sex and age category you'd like to buy for and I chose a girl, aged 10-14. My box included a pink toothbrush and toothpaste, a pink soap dish and a bar of soap, a purple washcloth, candy, stickers, an inexpensive pink watch, a package of colored pencils and a sharpener, a fun little notebook, a mini etch a sketch, and six pair of cute socks. You are limited by what will fit inside a shoebox. I also added a photo of our family with a note which is optional.


I have thought and prayed often about the recipient of that little shoebox jammed full of 'stuff'. I think about my own daughters too. I think about what makes them smile and how much love is showered on them all year round but especially during the holidays. So many friends and relatives who show genuine interest in their lives and plans, their hopes and dreams...dreams that can easily become reality with some hard work and perseverance. Can the same be said of the little girl who gets this box? I think about the fact that we get a free toothbrush every six months at the dentist and how I toss them in a drawer for guests without giving it a second thought. I think about a purple washcloth bringing a smile to a young girl's face.


I love the season of Thanksgiving...it is my favorite holiday of the year. I like the time we spend focusing on all that we have as opposed to all that we want. While the shoeboxes are intended to be a Christmas project we fill them during this season of gratitude. Adding toothpaste to a Christmas box certainly helps put things in perspective for me at what is now the most 'commercial' time of year.

It's not too late to fill a box...collections run through Nov. 21st and even if you can't participate this year maybe you'll keep it in mind for 2012. Somewhere in this world a child will smile.

17 comments:

  1. Joyce,

    What a great box filled with goodies and love from you and your family to that young girl! Our family loves Operation Christmas Child. We have done it for years and our children get really excited when picking out all the stuff to fill their boxes.

    Blessings,
    Carol

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  2. I have made shoe boxes for a number of years. Some of my girl friends got together, and we had a shoe box party. Everyone brought things, then we packed them, and decorated the boxes. I think the eight of us filled 40 boxes for Samaritan's Purse. This year my Bible study class is having a chili party and doing the same. It feels so good to be able to help those who really need it.

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  3. My daughter's youth group was doing this too. Unfortunately we missed their deadline, but I found out that someone I work with was participating along with their church, so they took our boxes. My daughter did 1 for a 5-9 boy and 1 for a 5-9 girl. It was so much fun and you're right to think what it will mean to that child that receives them.

    Have a great weekend Joyce

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  4. Perfect box full of love...such a great program. We all have a lot to be thankful for and giving is so easy.
    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  5. What a fun box you put together! We love this program and haven't done it in a couple of years. Thanks for the reminder.

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  6. My dad and stepmother do this every year..and I think, my aunt does too. They talk about Samaritans Purse year round.

    How'd the surgery go?

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  7. I have been doing this for a few years now. I guess since I started blogging because that is where I first heard about it. I didn't get any boxes together this year but I sent a nice donations so boxes could be made and sent. It is an awesome program and a wonderful feeling to help the children in need.

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  8. We used to do something like this every year at our old church. Now, we pick names off the Christmas tree at our current church and provide gifts for children in need. To me...that's the real meaning of Christmas!

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  9. Your box looks so full of love and thought. We actually got a letter back' from a girl in Ecuador one year! This year on the radio was a girl who received her very own oothbrush ever. Had before been in an orphanage and share a toothbrush. Igigigggg ig ..just writing that made me gag.so i will be giving one like you are.

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  10. That is such a great idea. Thanks for the link and information.

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  11. This our 3rd year to participate in Operation Christmas Box. This year we filled a box for a boy 10/14. We love doing this! I have tried tracking our box but that part has not worked for us. Let me know if you are able to track yours. I think that would be fun. I've never thought about sharing the link so others could participate. Great idea!

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  12. OCC is just the greatest! Our family has participated for many years and it is such fun to fill it. I visited one of the central collection centers one year and was amazed at ALL the boxes and the organization of the entire operation. A great post!

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  13. We did some shoe boxes this year. We'd meant to for so long, and this year we finally just did it. And I'm so glad that we did. What a blessing it is to be a blessing. This year may have been the first year for us for shoe boxes, but it definitely will not be the last.

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  14. I am glad you are sharing this. I have done it for many years thru our church. It's a great way for our kids to learn the meaning of giving also.

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  15. Thanks for the comment on my blog! I am the area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child in our county. We have done this for over 10 years now! Such a worthy group to give to through Samaritan's Purse!

    Hope your family has a blessed Thanksgiving!
    Blessings!

    P.S. Your daughters are beautiful! And I bet they are sweet to boot!!

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  16. Great idea. When I was a teacher just outside London, we did this every year.

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