Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas child was our October and November 52.4Him family ministry projects.
In October, our church had a packing party. Over the course of the year people donated items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Then we had a day where families came and packed the boxes. We had such a wonderful time serving! The kids loved picking things for their boxes, and writing personal notes and cards to go inside. We prayed over each box, and for the child that would receive it.
For November, the kids made their own shoeboxes in preparation for the annual shoebox chapel our homeschool group attends at a local Christian school. This year, our church, school, and homeschoolers collected over 1,400 boxes!
The kids love getting to pick items at the store for their child and it is such a great learning experience of sacrifice and gratitude. I always make sure to prepare the kids ahead of time before we go into the store, so they know what we are doing, why we are doing it, and that this shopping trip is not about them. Not asking for a single thing because you know today is not about you is a great lesson!
My kids always experience such joy in making the boxes and picking items specifically for their child.
The chapel service is always special as well. My favorite thing about Christmas is the many opportunities we get to serve and focus on our Savior!
In October, our church had a packing party. Over the course of the year people donated items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Then we had a day where families came and packed the boxes. We had such a wonderful time serving! The kids loved picking things for their boxes, and writing personal notes and cards to go inside. We prayed over each box, and for the child that would receive it.
For November, the kids made their own shoeboxes in preparation for the annual shoebox chapel our homeschool group attends at a local Christian school. This year, our church, school, and homeschoolers collected over 1,400 boxes!
The kids love getting to pick items at the store for their child and it is such a great learning experience of sacrifice and gratitude. I always make sure to prepare the kids ahead of time before we go into the store, so they know what we are doing, why we are doing it, and that this shopping trip is not about them. Not asking for a single thing because you know today is not about you is a great lesson!
Ready to pack!
I always wonder if the boxes will close!
And they always do!
Ready to go!
My kids always experience such joy in making the boxes and picking items specifically for their child.
The chapel service is always special as well. My favorite thing about Christmas is the many opportunities we get to serve and focus on our Savior!
Curious, because our church does this, too. About how much do you spend on the three boxes? We have three children, so would probably put together three boxes next year when this rolls around... depending on the cost. If we know ahead of time, we can work towards that goal all year. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat question! I had several people ask me that this year so I tried to keep track. I believe we spent about $60-$70 on all three.
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