KIDS WHO SHINE
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE ‘Tis the season for indulgence, and that includes gifts, treats, and toys galore. While typically we feature local kids doing great things in this column, this month our focus is on how you can help your own kids shine. In a culture that can feel like “more is more,” especially during the holidays, a great way to turn your family’s eyes toward someone else is to participate in a charity endeavor together. Operation Christmas Child, known for their “shoebox gifts,” is a ministry project of Samaritan’s Purse. During the month of November, boxes are filled with small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and socks or other clothing, and dropped off at an official collection site, where they are then distributed around the world “to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.” Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, has supplied more than 188 million shoeboxes to children. This year, the goal is to reach 9.7 million. That’s where local families come in. Shoebox gifts are a great family project to show kids of all ages how to demonstrate generosity toward others. Mom Catherine Reynolds shares that her family loves packing Operation Christmas Child boxes together each year. “It is a great way to teach our girls—Hallie (6) and Harper (5)—that some children do not get toys at Christmas, and this is a great way to bless others. The girls each pack a box for a little girl their own age, and they also pack a box in honor of their brother who passed way two years ago. Our favorite part is knowing these children receive hand-picked items from us but, more importantly, the gift of the Gospel is placed in their hands! The toys will break one day but the message of Jesus will last forever.” Plan a few hours to escort children to a bigbox store such as Walmart, Target, and Dollar Tree, and let them choose items to fill their boxes. Like the Reynolds girls, in our family, we fill a box for a girl the same age as our daughter, so we’re shopping for someone who likely has similar interests. (If you’re tight on time, or just want to do a few extra boxes, there is an option online to 30 Bham Family November 2021
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CATHERINE REYNOLDS
Hallie and Harper Reynolds pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
purchase a filled box for a particular age/gender.) Samaritan’s Purse recommends including a “wow” item such as a soccer ball with pump, stuffed animal, or small doll, along with fun toys, hygiene items like a hairbrush and toothbrush, and school supplies. You can also include a personal note and family photo. For more options, Samaritan’s Purse breaks down gift ideas by age, gender, and category online. There Is also a list online of Items (like food and liquids) that should not be included. Make a morning of shopping and chatting about where your boxes could end up, how special it is for these children to receive the items we often take for granted, and the impact a seemingly small gesture can make on another person. Operation Christmas Child has become a November tradition in many local families’ homes, and it teaches the value and importance of making an impact and serving others. Boxes are available at some area churches, for purchase online, and at retailers such as Hobby Lobby, but you can also wrap a standard-size shoebox in holiday paper. Then, pack your box or boxes together—you can even hit “play” on some seasonal tunes and turn it into a family packing party. Print a label online at samaritanspurse.org/ operation-christmas-child/label-options, and take your box/boxes to a local collection site. For a $9 donation online, you can help offset shipping costs and also receive tracking information to follow your boxes to their final destinations. Following your boxes’ journey is a great way to show your kids how far-reaching their gifts are, too. This year’s National Collection Week is
