Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. Their mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. They ship these simple gifts outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.
Our team packed Shoeboxes this year. We selected a medium to large "wow" item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then filled with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Some of our team with children added a card to possible create a Pen-Pal relationship.
Shoebox gifts are given to children regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or faith. Operation Christmas Child seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way through each shoebox gift. Children do not have to do or say anything to receive the gifts. They work in and through local Christians in each country who understand the context in their area. Simple gifts—packed with love in Jesus’ Name—deliver hope and joy to children all around the world, regardless of their faith or religious background.