OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
“Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization.” The “mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
Here’s how you can help:
The Mission Board is inviting YOU to help show love to children around the world in a socially distant way. We will have volunteers outside of the church on August 23rd from noon to 2 pm and 6-8 pm for a drive by collection for Operation Christmas Child (OCC). Please refer to the list below and add any item(s) to your grocery list, Amazon order or curbside pick up order. Then drive by and drop off the items. Anything that you can do is appreciated for this important outreach. We invite you to pray for the children who will receive these gifts.
Last year, in Allegheny County alone, 11,916 shoe boxes from 90 churches were sent. “The Covid-19 global pandemic has disrupted everyday life for millions of people around the world. Yet, Samaritan’s Purse continues to share the eternal hope of the Gospel and to serve in Jesus’s name.”
Suggested items to put in boxes: cup, toothbrush, washcloth, solid soap, Kleenex, band aids, hair accessories/hair brush, pencils, crayons, journal, stickers, puzzle, small tote for carrying school supplies, small LEGO sets, sunglasses, matchbox cars, stuffed animals, socks, rubber band bracelets, chalkboards, a small sewing kit, clothesline and clothespins, fishing kit, duct tape, travel size games, pom poms, glitter, post it notes, plastic magnifying glass, watch, yarn, jump rope, flashlight (solar powered even better), silly putty, a beach ball, hats, tiara, clip on earrings, maracas, kaleidoscope, yo-yo, harmonica and a personal note.
Rules on things that are allowed: playing cards, little toys like spiders, bugs, snakes, etc., batteries (only if the batteries are loose and both ends are covered with tape), CD’s and DVD (but keep in mind that children might not have a DVD or CD player available), toolkit (the only tools that can’t be included are saws and pocket knives), scissors, camouflage (as long as the child can wear the item without looking like a soldier, pink or colored camouflage are okay too), squirt guns as long as they do not look like real guns (brightly colored water guns are perfect), glow sticks, wet wipes, play dough (if age appropriate), compact mirrors.
Rules on things that are not allowed: Any type of liquid. No wet paints or glue bottles–but could pack dry watercolors or glue sticks. No rubber balls with liquid inside. No lip gloss–but lip balm or lipstick. No toothpaste due to customs. No type of food of any kind is allowed due to customs regulations. No matches are allowed due to shipping regulations. No medications or vitamins, aerosol cans, breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers.
There is also an option to build a shoebox online at the following link https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline
So remember, shop and drop if you are able and also pray for this ministry. Drop off Sunday, 8/23 from noon -2 pm and 6-8 pm. A second date of 8/30 will be scheduled if needed based upon collection.
Thank you for helping to share in spreading the Good News!