[nlcf] – a church community for Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and Christiansburg

Operation Christmas Child – Change A Life!

I recently saw this Nordstrom ad from 2009 posted on Facebook. And I must say I am 99% PRO this ad! I LOVE Christmas. I love the lights, the decorations, candy canes, you name it… but seriously, it’s simply crazy that there are already Christmas trees in stores and it’s only mid-October.

But what about the 1%? Where does the 1% come into play?

The 1% comes into play when I think about the 1.6 billion kids under the age of 15 in the world who have NEVER received a gift for Christmas. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is about more than just the gift of a toy, school supplies, or a new toothbrush. It’s the opportunity to hear the gospel, see the love of Jesus, and receive the gift of hope. It’s the opportunity to change a life.

Last year Samaritan’s Purse distributed 8.2 million shoeboxes. And this will probably be the ONLY shoebox this child will receive in his/her lifetime. But for so many of kids, the joy of this one simple gift will last a lifetime.

For over 10 years, [nlcf] has participated in Operation Christmas Child and we will be doing so again this year. However, in order for kids to receive a shoebox this holiday season, you have to think about it NOW… before Halloween… before Thanksgiving. It’s the 1% of me that is PRO thinking about Christmas in October!

So how can YOU be a part of Operation Christmas Child?

1. Find a shoebox (if you need one, email me!).

2. Choose whether you want to purchase items for a boy or a girl and for what age group.

3. Fill the shoebox with gifts! I pick up stuff all throughout the year. A list of appropriate items is provided below.

4. Include $7.00 donation in your shoebox (this helps to cover shipping and discipleship material).

5. Drop your packed shoebox off on Sunday during any of the services or at 130 Jackson during open hours.

The last day for collection shoeboxes is November 16th! Before leaving for Thanksgiving Break! Just a month away!

This is a great project to do with your Engage Group, small group, roommates/hallmates, your family, co-workers, intramural sports team, class project group, etc… everyone can be involved!

So let’s not put up the Christmas tree just yet, but let’s go ahead and be doing some Christmas shopping to put a shoebox gift in the hands of a kid this Christmas!

For more information, go HERE! Or contact me with any questions.

Suggested Gift Ideas:

TOYS
Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, yo-yos, jump ropes, slinky’s, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Pens, pencils & sharpeners, crayons, markers, stamps & ink pads, writing pads, coloring books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (place in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops, mints, gum, t-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, flashlights (don’t forget the batteries), etc.

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

~ Jeanette Staats