Get Into the Spirit!

This is the week of Operation Christmas Child, which is sponsored by the nondenominational Samaritan’s Purse organization. Mom and I have each packed two plastic containers (instead of the suggested paper-wrapped shoeboxes) with small toys, stuffed animals, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bars of soap, hard candy, flip flops, socks, puzzles, notepaper, pencils, and erasers. We will take them to a nearby relay center, along with $7/box for postage, where they will be checked for inappropriate war toys, candy that could melt, or liquid substances such as shampoo before being boxed in crates and sent to regional centers and then loaded onto planes for delivery. Accompanied by a little bible story book printed in a native language, the gifts go into countries all over the world and are given to children who are victims of war, natural disasters, poverty, and disease. Many of these kids have never received a gift before.

Our church has also done this as a group project for quite a few years. I provide the plastic containers because they can be reused by children’s families to store food, etc. and everyone in the parish randomly brings small toys, wrapped candies, and hygiene items with which to fill the boxes. Some bring a little, some a lot. We spread all the goods out on tables and then each grab a box and fill it according to whether it is for a boy or girl and which age group (3-5, 6-10, 11-14). It’s easy, fun, and feasible for everyone.

If you’d like to try it, here’s where you find a drop-off center close to you and more details about the process. I love the joy that this brings to everyone involved. What a great way to begin Advent!