Got a shoe box? Can you afford to purchase any small toys, school supplies, candy, sunglasses, or other “stuff” that a child 
could use? Then you can make a huge difference in someone’s Christmas this year!!!
“In support of Operation Christmas Child” we are collecting items that can be packed in a shoebox and given to desperately needy children. The program covers more than 100 countries, and is administered by the Samaritan’s Purse organization (led by Franklin Graham).
Last year, we donated 86 shoeboxes to the effort. Here’s what those shoeboxes do…
The cheerful packages symbolized our congregation’s generosity and commitment to spreading the word of God’s love. Each box contained many little gifts, a treasure chest for the needy child who would receive it. Major categories include personal hygiene items, school supplies, clothing, toys, and hard candy.
Some of these gifts play important practical roles in a child’s life. For example, a simple gift of a pair of socks in countries that require children to wear them in order to attend school. A girl living in an orphanage was so happy when her gift of a toothbrush meant she no longer had to share a brush with 29 other girls. The gift of a bar of soap could even save a child’s life in countries where dreadful, communicable diseases are prevalent. Paper is so scarce that children in many countries are required to erase previous day’s lessons many times to conserve paper. Many children must provide their own supplies.
In countries where the percentage of children under five years old who are seriously underweight reaches over 40 percent, hard candy is more than a luxury treat.
Since 1993, the “shoebox ministry” of Operation Christmas Child has distributed well over 100 million shoeboxes to poor children in approximately 130 countries. Beginning in 2004, many of our church members have generously contributed toward 716 shoeboxes, expressions of God’s love bringing blessings to the children.
How Can I Help?
You can do one (or more) of the following:
- Make a dollar donation of any amount (check made out to “Pitman United Methodist Church”)
- Donate exactly $21.00. This will pay for the contents and postage of one box.
- Purchase some gifts and may your own box. Fill a shoebox and donate $7.00 for postage.
Suggested Gifts:
Toys, School Supplies, Hygene items, “Stocking Stuffers.” Use your imagination!
Do NOT include items such as:
Anything used, glue sticks, scissors, war-related toys, perishable food items, liquids, medicines, anything breakable.
Shoeboxes must be submitted by Thursday November 13.
See the October issue of Steeple Notes or contact Diane Stansfield for more information.
