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Each year our MOPS group participates in Operation Christmas Child. That is actually how I found out about this great organization. At our last MOPS meeting, it was time to start thinking about the boxes our group will send this year. We always end up having more stuff than the boxes will hold, inevitably getting us to make more boxes! Kinda like the fishes and loaves ^[2] if ya ask me :)

If you haven’t heard of Operation Christmas Child ^[3], here is a brief summary directly from the Samaritan’s Purse Website:

Operation Christmas Child focuses on the true meaning of Christmas ‚,Jesus Christ ‚,God’s greatest gift. Separate from the shoe box and when culturally appropriate, we offer children, “The Greatest Gift of All,” an illustrated Bible storybook in the local language. When possible, children can further explore a faith in Jesus Christ through a voluntary Bible study program.

The main donation item is the shoe box. To participate in giving your own shoe box, you simply:

1. Find a shoe box for giving.
2. Choose the age and gender the box will be packed for. Age groups are: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.
3. Print a label ^[4] to include with your box for sorting purposes.
4. Fill the box with age/gender appropriate gifts ^[5].
5. Include $7 in an enveloped marked “shipping” inside the box placed on the top.
6. Label the box with the age/gender for the child. Place a rubber band around the box to ensure no contents fall out during shipping.
7. Pray over your box for the lives it will touch. This is just a personal step that is simply the most important!
8. Find a drop-off location ^[6] to drop your box off. All boxes are accumulated and mass shipped to one location for overseas shipment. The collection week for most locations is November 16-23.

In the past, we have chosen the ages and genders that follow along with our sons’ ages (and genders since they are boys :-) and each boy has their own box. We have also written letters with pictures attached to give it a a more personal feel.

I am able to get many of the hygiene items for FREE from deal shopping so we have more money to spend towards the “fun” stuff! I let my kids be in complete control when it comes to select the “fun” stuff for the boxes. We have fun at the Dollar Store to get the toys, flashlights, candies! Sometimes we’re able to get clothing items on clearance at stores too.

This has become something my boys and I make a “date” of and really look forward to. Last year, my husband went to the infamous OSU/Michigan game so I was home with the boys and that was our night to shop. Of course, we always include something OSU-related in the boxes :-)

Sarah at Real Life Blog is working on spreading the word about Operation Christmas Child too! Please visit her post with details ^[7] on how you can get more involved with the communication of this great organization!

Operation Christmas Child ^[3] is just one way to give back this holiday season. Does your family pack boxes? Or, do you do something else to give back? Please share your ideas and stories! In this economy, giving back can be done inexpensively with a heart full of love! You will be blessed!