A missions project which provided 7.9 million children around the world a shoebox of gifts last year. Evergreen participates by collecting empty shoeboxes and gifts to put in them throughout the year, normally providing packed shoeboxes for about 100 children. Evergreen youth wrapped boxes last year in preparation for Evergreen’s annual “Operation Christmas Child Wrapping Party” in late November. The wrapped and packed boxes, along with funds for shipping and other costs ($7 per box), are then delivered to a local pick-up location for distribution. Shoeboxes contain such items as small toys, school supplies, and hygiene items.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’sPurse, International Relief organization based in Boone, NC. Franklin Graham is president. More information about the international project is available at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/. If you would like to participate in this mission project, save shoeboxes, collect gift items, and contact the church office for more information.
Gift ideas
TOYS – 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®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES – pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS – toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
OTHER – Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
A PERSONAL NOTE – In a separate envelope, 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NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans
