Operation Christmas Child 2021

    When the holidays start approaching, I always know it’s time to start brainstorming for our Operation Christmas Child box. We have participated in this program through our church since we started going there. Each year, we pick up a cardboard box or two and fill it with goodies for those less fortunate than us. In the past, we have done boxes for both boys and girls, but always used our son’s age range because not only do we know more about what kids his age are interested in, it also helps to have him involved in the picking out of items and packing the boxes.

    We enjoy participating in this project every year because not only does it give a child a gift and spreads the story of Jesus Christ, it also helps to reiterate several things to our son. He realizes that he is very fortunate, even this year when things may be a little tight, he has way more than he needs. He also learns about what being a joyful giver looks like, especially when he picks out things that he would like, but gives them to someone else, without getting something in return. I look forward to sharing this experience with our youngest in the future.


What exactly is Operation Christmas Child?

There’s a history behind it, involving sending shoeboxes filled with gifts to war-torn Bosnia, but the basic gist of it is that as the hands and feet of Christ, we fill up shoeboxes with small gifts to brighten up a child’s day. For many of these kids, it may be their first gift ever and OCC calls the boxes a “tangible gift of God’s love.” More than 188 million children have received these boxes since 1993, all under the organization of Samaritan’s Purse.

What can you pack in the boxes?

There are some limitations based on what travels well and what would be considered a no-no (such as toy soldiers in a war-torn country), but you can pack toys, arts and crafts supplies, school supplies, personal hygiene products---the only limitation is that it has to fit in the box (and it can’t be one of the items on the restricted list, but I promise, there’s not too many). OCC even provides a list of suggested and recommended items. You can visit this link for ideas.

What do you do with the boxes and when do they need to be turned in?

Once your box is packed, you can turn it back in where you picked it up (church or business). If you choose to do one on your own, you can search here for drop off sites, or mail it to the OCC offices. National Collection Week is the third week of November (this year it is November 15-22, 2021), so there is still time to get one done this year!

Be sure to include a suggested donation check or cash for $9.00 with your box when you return it to cover the processing of your box (you can also print a label and/or pay online here). It also covers collection, shipping and Gospel materials that are handed out to the children receiving the boxes. This way, they will know exactly the heart behind the box, Jesus Christ!

What’s your box look like this year?

Unfortunately, money is tight for us this year since I am staying home with our nine month old. While I wish we were in a better position financially to do two boxes (one of each of our kiddos), this year it is just not feasible, so we are only doing one. We chose the age range of Austin (boy ages 5-9). We’ve filled it with some Hot Wheels, crayons, drawing paper, a tooth brush, some Uno cards, a drinking cup and a Velcro ball game similar to baseball. We might pick up a few small things to throw in there before we drop it off at church on Sunday to fill the empty holes (thinking bandages, pencils and a pencil sharpener).

If you’re interested in participating in Operation Christmas Child, please visit their website for more information. If you’re unable to go shop, you can fill a box online. If you do not wish to participate, please pray over our box and the child that receives it.