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Bringing Christmas Joy Worldwide: Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child

Nov 21, 2024 at 5:39 PM

Lexington, Kentucky is at the heart of an amazing opportunity this week. It's national collection week for Samaritan's Purse and their Operation Christmas Child project. Since 1993, they've been dedicated to demonstrating God's love in a tangible way. Shelly Settle, the area coordinator, emphasizes how simple it is for anyone to be a part. Ruth Pinkston, the drop-off leader, explains the process of picking a shoebox and filling it with school supplies, hygiene items, and toys. At Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, shoe boxes are piled high. With a goal of 12 million shoe boxes to bless 12 million kids worldwide, it's truly a massive operation. Each box has an adhesive label with a QR code, allowing senders to find out where their shoebox ends up. These boxes are shipped to over 170 different countries and territories. Ruth shares that she loves being able to look back at where the boxes have gone in prior years, such as to Togo, Africa, and Malawi. For many children, receiving a shoebox is their first opportunity to get a gift. Something as simple as pencils can change their lives and even enable them to go to school. Along with the usual items, each box includes a personal card and photo from the sender and a colorful booklet called "The Greatest Gift" which shares the gospel. The sight of children opening their shoebox gifts is pure joy, with sounds of excitement and smiles on their faces. You too can be a part of this mission by simply packing a shoebox with things you think a child would love. If you want to learn more about how to pack a shoebox, get gift suggestions, or find the nearest drop-off location, click here. Collection week for Samaritan's Purse ends next November 25. Let's come together and make a difference this Christmas.

The Impact of a Shoebox

The significance of a shoebox filled with love and compassion cannot be overstated. These simple boxes have the power to bring pure happiness to children in need. When a child receives a shoebox, it's not just about the material items inside but the gesture of kindness and the message of hope it conveys. It can be a life-changing experience for them, opening up new possibilities and giving them a sense of worth. The personal card and photo from the sender add a personal touch, making the child feel seen and cared for. And the booklet sharing the gospel helps to spread a message of love and faith. It's amazing to think that one shoebox can have such a profound impact on a child's life.

Moreover, the act of packing a shoebox is a meaningful one. It allows us to connect with children around the world and make a difference in their lives. We get to choose the items carefully, thinking about what a child would truly love and appreciate. It's a way for us to show our love and generosity during the holiday season and beyond. By participating in Operation Christmas Child, we become part of a global community that is working together to bring joy and hope to children in need.

How You Can Get Involved

Getting involved in Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child is easier than you might think. You don't need to be a professional packer or have a lot of resources. All you need is a shoebox and some items to fill it with. You can choose from a variety of school supplies, hygiene items, and toys that are suitable for children of different ages. The key is to pack with love and thoughtfulness. There are also gift suggestions available to help you choose the perfect items. Once your shoebox is packed, you can find the nearest drop-off location and drop it off. It's that simple. By taking this small step, you can be a part of something truly amazing and bring Christmas joy to children all around the world.

You can also share the story of Operation Christmas Child with your friends and family. Encourage them to get involved and make a difference together. By spreading the word, we can reach more people and pack even more shoeboxes. Every shoebox counts and every act of kindness makes a difference. So let's come together and make this Christmas a season of giving and love.