Joy in a Shoebox

The joy in a shoebox comes not from the fashionable footwear you take out and put on, but from all the love you cram into the box for a needy child that otherwise might receive nothing at all for Christmas.

This video is an update from 2012 when the 100 millionth shoebox was delivered.

Several years ago, Donna, whose contagious love for kids has spawned many a worthwhile project at our church, suggested that the congregation participate in Operation Christmas Child (OCC), one of the ministries of the Samaritan’s Purse organization.   Last year over 8 million kids around the world received a shoebox filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, socks and T-shirts packed by generous folks across our great nation.

Believe me, filling a shoebox is FUN!  Every year Michael and I let our inner child loose in the toy department at Wal-Mart and Target.  It’s amazing how many things you can find that fit inside a shoebox!  One of our favorite items to include is a Slinky®. (They’re still made in the USA.)  And of course every kid needs a brand new box of Crayolas® .

With back-to-school sales in full swing, now is a great time to begin shopping.  (For you Florida residents, the annual Sales Tax Holiday on clothing and school supplies runs August 12th through 14^th.) You can also find appropriate gifts at craft stores like Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and Jo-Ann’s – and use their 40% off coupons to boot. 

If you use the EZ Give option to pay the shipping fee by credit card online, your specific box will be tracked.  Last year on Christmas Eve we received an e-mail from Samaritan’s Purse with a video taken of the children in Ghana as they opened their gifts.  What special meaning those happy faces gave to our Christmas celebration!

We realize these are tough economic times and some people simply cannot participate, but if you are able, we hope you’ll consider filling a shoebox this year.

For more information please click HERE.

BTW, if you live near Leesburg, Florida, our church is the OCC Drop-off Location for north Lake County again this year:

First Christian Church
1701 Vine Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
(352) 787-2962 

Shoeboxes will be accepted during the week of November 14th through 21st.