September Focus - Lights

First of all, you're probably wondering where August's post went. Well, we have already collected more than enough toys for 100 boxes, so I didn't need to make a big deal about it! YAY us!

Second... lights.
What does that even mean?
Think flashlights, only more sustainable.

The problem with traditional flashlights is that they take... batteries.
And batteries are difficult to come by in economically underdeveloped areas.

Thankfully, human ingenuity has provided is with options! There are lighting devices available that charge by solar power, crank, or trigger. And they aren't very expensive!

This is the variety I recommend and they can be purchased from Amazon (4 for $16 with Prime shipping)

There are a dozen more options available online, at box stores, and at surplus stores (batteries will be scarce after the zombies invade).

And, as always, if you're not keen on ordering online, or would rather not pound the pavement shopping, you can make a donation directly during offering; just mark the envelope "OCC".


PLEASE DON'T FORGET THAT WE STILL NEED BOXES!!!!!!
WE'VE HAD SEVERAL SHOE BOXES DONATED, BUT a)NOT ENOUGH AND b)NO DURABLE BOXES.

Donations through 7.24.16

Counted before service....

Wash cloths - 100

Bars of soap - 108

Toothbrushes - 129

Toothbrush cases - 77

Toys - 228

Coloring books - 50

Flip flops - 3

Shirts - 1

Socks - 18

Notebooks - 2

Combs - 12

Pencils - 504

Remember, our target number is 100. Please shop accordingly.

July Focus - Dishes

We're packing boxes for boys, ages 2-4 and 10-14

Dishes?

Isn't that a strange thing to give a child?

Nope. Not when, in some circumstances, these children are taking turns eating because there is only 1 plate in a family or one bowl for every 10 kids in an orphanage.

KEEP IN MIND! The shoeboxes aren't very big.
Don't include full-sized plates.

I found that a small plastic bowl (or baby plate), travel-sized cutlery, and a small cup worked well in even a standard-size shoe box. Don't feel weird about including toddler cutlery, even if you'd rather put together a box for a teenager.

June Focus - Clothing Items

We're packing boxes for boys, ages 2-4 and 10-14

I experienced minor technical issues that resulted in my having to completely redo the June post.

And I haven't had a chance to inventory our donations in the last month. We're doing really well, though!

JUNE....

June's focus item is clothing.

Keep in mind that you have no idea where your box will end up; therefore, the first step in your shopping experience should be prayer. Seek the Lord's guidance, because He knows if your box is going to a warm climate or a cold climate.

Please remember that, under no circumstances, can we include any items that even hint at a military theme (so no camo). Your best bet is to purchase PLAIN clothing items.

Winter - hats, gloves, socks

Summer - t shirt and flip flops

Donations Through 5.29.16

As it's the last Sunday in May, here is our final monthly count...

Thank you, Hollis family, for the 15 toothbrushes and cases!

I haven't counted the shoe boxes, but out total of hygiene items is as follows:
Toothbrushes - 15
Toothbrush holders - 15
Bars of soap - 5

Remember, our goal is 100 of everything.

Donations through 5.19.16

Someone raided their shoe box collection at home, and brought us this giant pile!
And a coworker of mine brought several hotel soaps for me. We're off to a good start.

"Ted and a Washcloth" - A #shoeboxstories post

Operation Christmas Child has been in existence long enough to have the benefit of former recipients, now adults, who share their stories of the transformative power of a simple shoe box.

Ted's story highlights the importance of the hygiene items that we're collecting this month.

NOTE: Many of you will be traveling in the coming weeks. If you find yourself at home with hotel soaps, consider placing them in a plastic baggie and bring them to church. ;)

To read the story of Ted and a Washcloth, click here.

And we're off!

Now that we've officially launched our efforts, let me clarify a couple of points:

1. There is a collection box in the foyer of the church. It's wrapped with Christmas paper; you can't miss it.
2. May's focus is on hygiene items. As previously discussed, this includes toothbrushes (with caps), washcloths, soap (in plastic bags), and combs.
3. As you purchase items for the shoe boxes, bring them to church and deposit them in the collection box.
4. At some point, we'll announce the date for the packing party. It will most likely be the weekend prior to the national collection week. During that packing party, we'll be, well, packing boxes. :) That will be when we sort, assemble, and assess what we have and how many boxes we can make.

Remember, our goal is 

100 Boxes!

Choosing a Box

In-country volunteers have written many an essay on tips and tricks for shoe box items. But one common theme is the boxes themselves.

Samaritan's Purse offers low-cost, branded boxes, through their website. And many first timers choose to use them. However, they are rather flimsy and don't hold up well throughout the shipping process.

Of course, cardboard shoe boxes are an obvious choice. They tend to hold up well enough. Especially if they are the 'hinged' sort, made of thicker cardboard. But they deteriorate quickly after delivery.

Because the box can be part of the gift, a sturdier plastic box is the best possible option. Then the children will have a storage container, in addition to the contents thereof. That being said, the inexpensive (typically around $1) Sterilite boxes have been found wanting in their durability; often breaking long before delivery.

May Focus - Hygiene Items

We're packing boxes for boys, ages 2-4 and 10-14

• „Toothbrushes (With cap)
• „Soap (a bar in Ziplock bag)
• „Washcloth
•  Comb

Note: As of 5.6.16, Samaritan's Purse now discourages sending toothpaste. It will be prohibited in 2017. IF you feel led to include toothpaste this year, ensure that the expiration date in at least 6 months after the collection week. Please be aware that boxes may be turned away at customs if the expiration date does not comply. 
NO FRUIT FLAVORS OR PICTURES ON PACKAGE!

2016 Collection Schedule

All items will be accepted from now until the packing party, but the monthly focus will be as follows:

• „May – Hygiene items
• „June – Clothing
• „July – Dishes
• „August – Toys
• „September – Lights
• „October – School Supplies
• „November - Bags 
 

We're packing boxes for boys, ages 2-4 and 10-14

 

Operation Christmas Child - Let's Get Started!

As we begin to embark on this adventure, take a moment to watch the following video that gives a general overview of the importance of Operate Christmas Child in, not only providing gifts, but furthering the Gospel across the world.

Good News, Great Joy