Despite feeling less than chipper, my wane Kidlets joined me yesterday as we took our two Operation Christmas Child boxes to our local drop-off point.

The Parkway Baptist Church is handling the drop-off of small, stuffed boxes all week during the official “National Collection Week” for Operation Christmas Child.  With a goal of obtaining 1000 boxes from our community, they are nearly there with 966 boxes.

(Not all the boxes could fit in the frame of this photo … and I couldn’t get both kids smiling at the same time.  ‘Bout normal around here!)

At least, nine hundred and sixty-six children will be blessed by the people of my new town, my new community.  Seeing those boxes, piled carefully one on top of the other, made me cry . . . especially after I watched a “in-house” video the church had made.  A local girl, a “Full Circle” teen, told her story of being in a Russian orphanage — sharing a toothbrush with 20 other girls and wearing used underwear in her colorless orphan life — and getting her first “shoebox.”  In it, she discovered her first gifts of any kind . . . and was thrilled by a toothbrush and toothpaste.  No longer would she have to share.  For once, she has something of her own.

How simple.  How trivial in our suburban and western world.  A toothbrush?  My daughter — who has been learning about dental habits in school — was shocked to hear this girl loved her toothbrush.  How many times a year do I buy toothbrushes for my children? Over and over and over as I try to get them excited about caring for their teeth.

But to this girl — who had experienced a life of abuse and hate in her young years — that toothbrush was the most amazing item.  It was hers.  And proof that someone — miles and miles away — cared for her.

Operation Christmas Child is more than just giving a kid a gift.  It’s about giving a child hope.  Warmth.  It’s a chance to let a child know there are bright moments and there is love.  And that someone cares for them.

It’s Not Too Late To Get Your Box Packed!

Nationally, next Monday (11/19) is the final day to drop off your Operation Christmas Child box to a location in your area.  You can do this!

How To Get Involved with Operation Christmas Child

(1)  Get a shoebox (either one of your own that can be wrapped in paper or a sturdy plastic shoebox).

My Tip: We opted for a plastic box so that the child could reuse it.

(2) Choose the gender and age of your recipient  (age options are 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14)

My Tip: If you have children in the home, match their age and gender when choosing.  They will feel more of a kinship with someone their age and get excited choosing items they themselves would like getting.

(3) Fill the box!

My Tip: this doesn’t have to be expensive!  Dollar Stores, Target’s Dollar Spot and other such options provide many toys and practical items that kids enjoy.  I also tried to do a mix of “fun” and practical (school supplies, items that could be used in the learning of skill, etc.).

What Went In Our Box?

• Socks (two different sizes)
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste (Target has packs that include stickers for the kids to apply to the toothbrush — my kids LOVED and wanted these!)
• Ponchos and Waterbottles
• Pens and Notepads
• Small Toys
• Shoelaces
• A Full-Sized Sewing Kit (in our girl box)
• Character Bandaids
• Gum
• Character Watches
• Stickers
• A handwritten note from us

4) Mail or Find a Drop-Off Location in Your Area

If there isn’t a local drop-off for you, you can ship your box to the following address:

Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

It’s easy. Fun. And can easily be a personal or family project to experience the “giving side” of generosity.  And . . . it may just be the gift that changes someone’s life.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Operation Christmas Child. The opinions and text are all mine.