The shoeboxes are filled with little gifts that bring hope and love to children in desperate situations around the world. Last year more than 661,000 shoeboxes left Canada to be distributed in over fifteen countries...each shoebox carrying the message of God's unconditional love.I've been going shopping with my granddaughters the past few years...and they pick out things for a less fortunate child in a far away land...and have such a good time doing it. Yesterday was the day...and this year Ryder joined in the fun as well...and Heidi brought Maelyn.
First we did the shopping...
...which was a good time (as you can tell)...and then we went to Heidi's and packed up our boxes. I was thinking that Ryder might not want to part with some of the goodies he had such fun picking out...but he was a good sport. He even wondered if we could bring the box to Africa once it was all packed up.
Maelyn didn't really get into the spirit of the occasion...but she'll be back with more enthusiasm next year!Operation Christmas Child focuses on the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus Christ – God’s greatest gift. Separate from the shoe box, Samaritan's Purse offers the children an illustrated Bible storybook called "The Greatest Gift of All" in the local language. Besides the impact these gifts can make in the lives of children overseas...this project fosters compassion in all who participate. My grandchildren are learning the value of giving to those who have so much less...that it is greater to give than to receive.
Operation Christmas Child will be collecting shoeboxes in your area in a few weeks...you still have time to go shopping!
What a great family thing to do with your grandchildren. We have decided to do this project with our church girls' club this year. And we have discovered that quite a few of the girls already either do it with either their family, or school. We plan to shop with over 20 girls!(and 6 leaders). Dairymary
ReplyDeleteThanks for that excellent description of Operation Christmas Child. Our church family has been doing that for a number of years. It is so exciting to see the children carry the hundreds of boxes (and we are a fairly small congregation!) to the front of the church on the Sunday before they are delivered to the depot. As you pointed out, it is a good way of teaching children to care for others.
ReplyDeleteJudy, Last night as we filled our buggy with the shoebox goodies, I thought of you, and I wondered if you would get this done this week. I will be posting mine too but not till next week. . .
ReplyDeleteJudy, this is such a wonderful effort - and the best lesson for the children.
ReplyDeleteI always took my son to buy things for other children, and now he takes his son.
To those much is given, much is expected. A wise lesson.
Yes a great reminder, Judy. I have my filled shoeboxes just about ready to go.
ReplyDeleteOur church does these too. Kids love filling them.
Judy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all the pictures. We are so grateful for your participation in Operation Christmas Child as we reach children around the world with the Good News.
Darren Mullenix
Donor Ministries
Samaritan's Purse
we always to shoeboxes as well.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful way for the kids to be a part of this.
the newest baby looks like she wouldn't fit in a shoe box any more.
what a little darlin"
could it be my side of the family that she takes after...! SMILE
Hello there, new friend!
ReplyDeleteI love this post! The children are just too precious. We've only just started doing this in Malaysia, mostly for the refugee children here, although I have extended it to other underprivileged children. You might like to read my posts here!
http://savoirvivrekl.blogspot.com/2009/12/shoebox-project-kl-chapter.html