We want to share a wonderful opportunity with you to touch the life of a child this Christmas through Operation Christmas Child. It is very simple to do and has the potential to dramatically change the life of a child in need.

Here are the simple steps: (You can get more detailed instructions here.)

1. Get a shoebox. You can use any regular shoebox and cover the bottom and lid separately with wrapping paper. Or you can use a plastic storage box with a lid.

2. Choose who the gift will be for–whether your gift is going to a boy or girl and choose an age category: 2-4, 5-9, 10-14. Label the top of your box with appropriate label which you can print off here.

3. Fill the box with small gifts such as school supplies, toys, hygiene items, etc. (Suggestions)

4. Include a donation of $7 to help cover shipping costs.

5. Drop off your box at a collection point near you the week of
November 18-25, 2013. (Drop off locations.)

Samaritan’s Purse began Operation Christmas Child twenty years ago and has delivered over 100 million shoeboxes to children in over 130 countries. That’s a lot of lives touched! Some foreign students attending our local college received shoeboxes as children. Watch what they have to say about the impact it had on their lives:

If you don’t have time to find a box and shop and drop it off, you can still put together a shoebox online, choosing how you want the box filled and making your donation. Check it out here.

For those of you who want to put your creative skills to use in putting together shoeboxes, be inspired by this man who has made over 100,000 wooden toys:

One friend of ours plans all year long for Operation Christmas Child. She shops sales always keeping her eyes open for gifts and puts together about 100 shoeboxes by herself!

Get your own children or grandchildren involved in reaching out to bring joy to other children. Melinda and I are helping her children put together three shoeboxes. We went shopping today finding many fun items to pack and are also planning to add some handmade gifts as well. Boxes need to be collected the week before Thanksgiving, so make plans today to put together your shoebox.

Let us know in the comments if you plan to put together a shoebox.