Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through simple, gift-filled shoe boxes and evangelistic materials that tell the Good News of God’s love.  Our boxes have gone to nine different countries.  This is the seventh year our church is participating in this wonderful program.  This year our goal is to pack 6 boxes a month.  Below are some shopping ideas.  Keep in mind who you are shopping for – a Boy or Girl – Ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

One WOW Gift – Delight a kid! Start with a larger item that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box.  Ideas include: Soccer ball with pump, Stuffed animal, Doll, Bigger Toy (puppet, truck, etc.) or Musical instrument (must fit in shoebox).  Hint: This is NOT a $1 item.

PERSONAL Care Items – For each box we want One Soap, One Toothbrush, & One Comb.  (We have plenty of washcloths)

One CLOTHING Item – Options include: Mittens, Gloves, Warm Hat, Short Scarf, T-Shirt, Socks, Flip-flops, etc.

One CRAFT / ACTIVITY Item – Options include: Stickers, Coloring Book, Small Puzzle, Play packs, Art sets, Card Game, Sewing Kit, & Tools.

One TOY Item – Options include: Ball, Jump rope, Small car, Marbles, Etch-A-Sketch, Yo-yo, Costume jewelry, Plastic animals or dinosaurs, Finger puppets, Small stuffed animal, etc.

SCHOOL Supplies – One pencil sharpener.  We will be buying the rest of the school supplies (crayons, colored pencils, notebooks, paper, etc.) in July-August during the back-to-school sales.

Note: No candy, food, toothpaste, liquids, breakable items, war-related items, or scary monster items.

Each month, put your initials in the boxes on the bulletin board for the items you will buy, and/or put a checkmark in the boxes after you bring the item.  Thank you!

Shopping lists are also available at the church.  For more ideas, see OCC’s list of Suggested Gifts.