Operation Christmas Child

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Service Project

Prime Time! has decided to participate in Operation Christmas Child.  We will be collecting donations from Friday, September 4^th through Friday, October 16^th.  We will pack the boxes during Sports and Games night on October 16^th.

Operation Christmas Child encourages participants to pack gifts into a shoebox which is then sent to children around the world.

“Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.”  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoeboxstories-yuliya-and-a-puppy/

“What goes into the box is fun… What comes out is eternal…. Every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship – transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ!”  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

How you can help:

Donate money.  The money will be used for shipping the boxes overseas ($7 each) and for shopping for shoebox gifts.  Please give the money to a member of the servant team.

Bring in containers:  clean shoe boxes in good condition or purchase and donate shoebox size plastic containers with lids.

Shop for shoebox items and bring them in.  Below is a list of what to buy and what NOT to buy:

“Wow” Item

Delight a kid! Start with a medium to large item that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box.

Ideas include: Soccer ball with pump, Stuffed animal, Toys (puppets, trucks, etc.), Doll (baby, Barbie, etc.), Musical instrument, Outfit, Shoes

Other Suggestions

Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, 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, 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.

Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets. Download instructions here.

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

Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.