School Holidays the Perfect Time to Pack Your Christmas Shoebox for a Child Overseas
By: Hope Media
It’s that time of year again: time to take a special shopping trip, pack a shoebox of Christmas gifts for a child in a developing nation, in preparation for Operation Christmas Child.
The famous event, held each year by the international aid organisation Samaritans Purse, aims to reach children in need with a gift that paves the way for them to hear the gospel message.
All kids who receive a shoebox of gifts will have an opportunity, with their parent’s permission, to enrol in The Greatest Journey – a fun, 12-lesson faith-based program. Led by local teachers, it helps children become grounded in the Christian faith and in sharing the gospel with others. Those who finish the course also receive a certificate and a New Testament Bible in their own language.
With the school holidays approaching, it’s a good chance to take the kids shopping, and together collect the items needed. Shoebox dropoff then happens throughout the month of “OCCtober”. Find your nearest Drop Off Point at the OCC website.
What Gifts To Pack In My Shoebox
Just grab a regular sized shoebox, wrap it in colourful paper, and fill it with simple gifts from the categories listed below.
1. Something to wear
2. Something to play with
3. Something for school
4. Something to love
5. Something special
6. Something for personal hygiene
What Not to Pack
There are some specific items that are either unsuitable for the children in the OCC program or unsuitable for shipping. They include:
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- Items that contain liquids and could leak
- Food or lollies
- Used or damaged items
- Breakable Items Items that can scare or harm a child
- Gambling related items
- Anything of a religious, racial or political nature
- Anything related to war, or toy weapons
For gift ideas check out the following…
Why not get your church involved!
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
