Boxes for Samarian's Purse Project

How many things can you pack into a shoebox?  How about if it is for a child who is in an under developed country?  Then you really want to become a packaging genius.

Operation Christmas Child expects to reach a significant milestone this year—the 100 millionth shoe box gift packed and distributed since they started this project 19 years ago.  Our church, plus many others, want to help them reach the 100 million boxes sent to these children all around the world this Christmas.  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php will explain the program headed up by Franklin Graham, President and CEO of Samarian's Purse.

The Packed Box is Bulging but Properly Secured

For my box to look like this what did I do? I started out with many items.

Items Gathered to Fill the Operation Christmas Child Box

These things were:

• Black T Shirt
• Coloring Book
• Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss Kit
• Sunglasses
• Paperback Books (2)
• Washable Markers
• Pins
• New Testament
• Wooden Cross
• Change Holder (UT)  I couldn't resist
• Smart Links Toy
• Toy Cow
• Stickers (3)
• Notepads (2)
• Slippers
• Bowl. Spoon, Cup

Three things in the picture above were not included.  I just couldn't get them all in.  They were the toy house, a notebook and a hardcover book.  All else were included!  Whew!

I used spray adhesive to attach a message and two pictures of us.

Box Lid Decorated with Our Pictures

The bottom of the lid has a note saying "With Love, Martha and Walter".  We had heard that many of the children like it best if they know who sent the box to them.  I hope they like seeing that some grandparents from another part of the world are concerned about them.

Box is Ready for Shipping Label

There!  I did it!  This box is stuffed to almost overflowing.  The rubber bands will keep the box intact during shipping and delivery.  I will turn it in tomorrow at my church and a sticker added to the front will indicate whether it is intended for a girl or a boy.  Since most of our grandchildren are boys, I decided I wanted to shop for a girl.

I come from a legacy of people who helped when they could.  I remember as a child our school was asked to pack a shoebox for far away and needy children, (not this program).  My mother helped me fill the box each time.  We always included toothbrushes and other practical things.  We never seemed to have much money but we always packed these boxes.  Most times a small toy or fancy item was found by my mother and lovingly slipped in at the last moment.  I was always proud of those boxes we packed in our small kitchen.  That joy returned as I placed each item into this Operation Christmas Child box.

God is good.