MOPS loves Operation Christmas Child

At a recent meeting, we quickly introduced you to Operation Christmas Child, the global initiative to reach as many children as possible around the world and provide a loving gift for Christmas . Additional information is included below if you have questions or simply want to know more. MOPS loves OCC and while this mission project is completely optional for our local group, it makes a convenient way for our busy families to stop and think of others who are less fortunate and provide some holiday cheer in the name of Jesus. 

Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse, the organizing body of OCC, works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ. "I have done this project with my son for the last three years and it has taught us both so much. My son loves shopping with me and helping me pack the boxes. It really drives great discussion between us and gives me opportunities to share with him God’s work in our lives and shows him how to minister to others. "- Tiffany McElveen

Here is what you need to know to get started.

1. Shoe Box: Use an empty shoebox (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box but make sure you wrap the lid separately. Wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. Boy or Girl:

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box. (The labels will be available at our next MOPS meeting, or you can find it online here http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/ )

3. Fill with Gifts:

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Here are some ideas for your box. Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch,® toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, Pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries). 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 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.

4. A $7 Donation:

Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using the “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoebox, please make one combined donation.

5. Drop Off:

Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and bring it to MOPS on November 14. We will do the rest.

I encourage you to take your kids shopping (scary I know!) and really let them help you with this. I promise you will both get something great out of it! If you have any questions or need any more information, please visit the Operation Christmas Child website or you can contact the MOPS coordinators for this project

Tiffany McElveen at 901-482-4013 or tiffanymcelveen@gmail.com

Bess Contreras at 901-606-9390 or ameliabess@hotmail.com