A few years ago, our family was introduced to Operation Christmas Child (OCC) through our church. We brought home our first shoeboxes filled with excitement over the treasures we were going to share with someone, maybe even halfway around the world! Little did we realize that the greatest impact was going to be on us.
On the rare occasions we treat the girls to kids' meals, they animatedly gush over the trinket discovered from within the food. But it's been a long time since they've torn open the packaging. Instead, they protectively guard that toy or book or hair pretty, keeping it safe until we return home. With smiles on their faces, they eagerly drop it in their OCC shoe box bag.
Stickers earned for braving shots; travel size toothpaste and dental floss after a teeth cleaning; extras from a birthday party goody bag; it's all saved with tender loving care.
As the year progresses, and their bags are filled with more items, their smiles just get bigger and brighter. My heart beams with pride as my girls truly recognize the joy of giving. And it all started with 1 green shoe box.
The other day, I discovered a wonderful blog called Clip With Purpose. Jessica has an amazing heart, with a mission to share with those less fortunate. She has an incredibly creative vision, and sees sales in the weekly inserts as a source for abundantly blessing OCC.
A reader of Clip With Purpose shared with Jessica just how impacting OCC is for the recipient AND the giver. When a Simple Gift Changes a Life
This morning, the girls and I had a few more things to add to our shoe box bags. Then I got an idea thanks to Jessica's blog. She shares each month her progress for building shoe boxes. I'm challenging my girls (and all of you!) to add something to your shoe box each month as well.
The area churches have shoe boxes available starting in November. Until then, the girls and I keep our items in a 2-gallon size zip top bag. For the sake of tracking our progress, I emptied out a toy bin roughly the same size as the containers the church provides. What we have so far is definitely a start, but I'm looking forward to seeing it stuffed!
American Girls Paper Doll Book (Source: McDonald's Kids' Meal = free)
Sticker (Source: Doctor Visit = free)
My Little Pony (Source: McDonald's Kids' Meal = free)
Small Stuffed Animal (Source: McDonald's Kids' Meal = free)
Hairbrush with 6 pony-tail holders (Source: ShopKo after Christmas Sale = $.15 clearance price)
2 Dental Floss and 1 Toothpaste (Source: Dentist Visit = free)
Nexcare bandages (Source: Copps = free thanks to double coupon day)
SpongeBob Squidwort posable toy (Source: Burger King Kids' Meal = free)
Tube of Chapstick (Source: Copps = free thanks to double coupon day)
For those of you not sure where to start, please visit Samaritan's Purse. You'll find inspiring life-changing testimony, encouraging experiences, and all of the information you'll need to get started, including gift ideas for your shoe box.
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