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