Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday we had a sweet time of community and serving the Lord. We got together with our group to work on filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We turned it into a little mission project for our group, to make it more personal for us.

Don't know what Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is?

It's a fantastic opportunity for us, who've been blessed beyond what we deserve, to give a little Christmas cheer to children who otherwise won't be getting anything for Christmas. What's more? They get to hear the life-altering message of the Gospel. 

Their Mission? From their website:

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We have not done this in the past, but my heart is in it now. I absolutely believe this is something we will do for years to come, and involve our children in the giving process. 

Last night, we met our group at a dollar store and shopped for our boxes. My husband and I decided to do two boxes, one for a 2-4 year old boy (think: Cohen's age) and a 10-14 year old girl.

Here is our little boy's box:

contents:

2 simple board books, doctor play kit, toothbrush, toddler toothpaste, 4 pairs of socks, bouncy ball, small car, 2 note pads, jumbo crayons, fish bath sponge, bar of soap, Q-tips, bag of suckers and small blue t-shirt (the plush baseball did not end up fitting)

About $16.00

All packed in! (minus the baseball!)

It's like a fun game of Tetris to make it all fit. I just imagine his sweet face opening this box around Christmastime. Has he ever had a Dum-Dum before? Does he have clean shirts? Has he ever held a new crayon in his hand? I get teary eyed, because it's so easy for me to imagine my sweet Cohen opening this box. There would be certain joy on his face, and he has most of these things. It thrills my heart that we are able to do this. 

For our young girl (10-14 years old):

contents:

colored pencils, pencil sharpener, pens, crayons, note pad, tooth brush, tooth paste, bag of ring pops, purple comb, hair ties, watch, Q-tips, bath sponge, bar of soap, 3 pairs of socks

About $15.00

Stuffed in the box!

We had a great time of fellowship shopping for and putting together these boxes. We are so thankful to have the means to give to this great cause.

Best friends. These two wanted to play with the toys, of course. :)

If you are interested in contributing to this project, please, please visit their website. Our church, Watermark, will be collecting the packed boxes until November 18th, I believe. 

Please remember to think of others this Christmas season. If you're able to give, give. If not, offer your time somewhere. Help share the love of Jesus Christ (the reason for this season) to children and families all around the world.