One of the reasons that Christmas is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for me is because of shoebox gifts. Operation Christmas Child, the offspring of Samaritan’s Purse, is a Christmas gift-giving ministry. You take a shoebox, pack it with a WOW gift, along with toiletries, coloring or writing supplies, small clothing items likes gloves, mittens, caps, socks, and other fun fillers, add a $7 gift for shipping, and an amazing blessing is on its way to a child in need.

I’ve sort of lost track of the years I’ve had a part in this at my church, Bethel Lighthouse. My church family has fun together collecting the items and putting them together at a “Wrap and Pack” party each year. This year’s event is Friday, November 11, from 6 – 8 pm in our church gymnasium.

We extend an open invitation to this event, or you can do this on your own. It is a wonderful way for families to give at Christmas time to boys and girls around the world who otherwise may never receive their own box of goodies.

Find out more about it by checking out samaritanspurse.org/occ. This site will show you how to pack your shoebox, give gift suggestions and collection site locations for your area. Plus, every shoebox has the gospel message inserted at the distribution centers. Beyond this, “The Greatest Journey” discipleship course is also offered to help children and their families learn about Jesus and how to live for Him.

Please leave any comments about any experiences you have had in this ministry or questions I may be able to answer. God Bless and Early Merry Christmas!!