Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is one of my favorite kid-friendly giving opportunities.  It is through Samaritan's Purse and simply involves packing a shoebox full of Christmas gifts for a less fortunate child somewhere in the world.  Along with the gifts, which include things like little toys, toothbrushes and toothpaste, socks, soap, crayons, and coloring books, Samaritan's Purse includes a little book about the love of God and Jesus.  I'm not a super sentimental person, but when I think of these children, who have so little, being filled with such joy by receiving a box of simple gifts, it makes me teary.

On Saturday the kids and I went shopping at Target for the gifts and on Sunday morning we packed and wrapped the boxes before taking them to church for the collection.  Ashlynn and Carter both packed boxes this year: one was for a 5-9 year old girl and one was for a 2-4 year old boy (I'll let you guess which kid did which).   When the kids brought the boxes to church, each Sunday School group (elementary and preschool) prayed for the children who would someday receive the boxes.

Here are a few pictures of the kids packing their boxes and preparing a note that goes into the box.

What a fun way to share joy!