Operation Christmas Child Begins Monday
It is all too easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of the holiday rush and get carried away with all the gift buying, decorating and food baking. But if you are looking for a way to share some love and Christmas spirit this year, the perfect opportunity is provided by the Samaritan’s Purse with their Operation Christmas Child project.
Their goal is to demonstrate faith and love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. The Samaritans Purse folks simply ask you to fill empty shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items that will be transported across the globe and given as Christmas presents.
The gifts will be given to children who are living in the midst of poverty, war, disease or natural disaster. This November 14th through 21st, Chattanooga volunteers are opening several sites in the area to serve as drop-off locations. A location near you can be found by visiting samaritanspurse.org/occ and entering your zip-code.
Think back on your time as a child, and of the joy you felt opening each gift until they were all gone. Remember that feeling as you take the time to think that for many of these children, this gift-filled shoebox will be the first gift they have ever received. This project is a wonderful way to spread some love this holiday season even before the calendar has turned to December.