Brad Hall: HALL THINGS CONSIDERED: Pack a shoebox with gifts for Operation Christmas Child

Brad Hall, The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky.
·4 min read

Nov. 6—I know for many of you it's still too early to think about Christmas, but if you are looking to reach out to a child in need this holiday season, there is an exciting project you can do right now.

It is called Operation Christmas Child, and is hosted by an organization called Samaritan's Purse. With Operation Christmas Child, you have the chance to fill up a shoebox with gifts and ship it overseas to a needy boy or girl. This will bring great joy to children who are in desperate situations, while also exposing them — perhaps for the first time — to the love of Jesus Christ.

"Every shoebox offers an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with a hurting child," said Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan's Purse.

If you are interested in taking part in this activity, there are a few easy steps to follow:

1. Shoebox

Use an empty cardboard or plastic shoebox (average size). If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately.

2. Boy or Girl

Decide whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

3. Include a "Wow" Toy

Start with a medium to large item that will capture the child's attention the instant he or she opens the box. Ideas include a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal.

4. Fill With Gifts

Add other fun toys children will immediately embrace, non-liquid hygiene items, school supplies, and other accessories. You can also include a photo or personal note which is often the child's favorite thing to receive.

5. Pray

Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

6. Include $10 Donation Per Box

A donation of $10 per box is critical to cover shipping and other project costs. This can be placed inside of the shoebox, or you can also pay online through the Operation Christmas Child website. There, you can also learn about how to track your package and find out its destination.

7. Drop Off

Print out the appropriate label for a boy or girl. Mark the correct age category and tape the label to the top of your box. Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and bring it to the drop-off location nearest you during National Collection Week, Nov. 14-21. You can visit www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/ for all of the available drop-off spots both locally and nationwide.

Gift Suggestions

Before you get busy cramming goodies into your shoebox, there are some gift suggestions you should first be aware of:

Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.

School Supplies: Pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, glue sticks (do not include liquid glue), coloring and picture books, etc.

Non-liquid Hygiene Items: Toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.

Accessories: T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.

A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.

Do Not Include: Candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

For more information

If you're interested, you can visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ for all of the additional information, resources and materials you need to get your shoebox shipped out.

This is a very exciting opportunity to give, and a great chance to show God's love to a young child who so badly needs it.

Brad Hall is the nighttime editor at the Times-Tribune. He can be contacted at bhall@thetimestribune.com.