Operation Christmas Child

Christmas is almost here and Samaritan’s Purse is collecting shoebox gifts for the Operation Christmas Child ministry. 

Every year since 1993, Operation Christmas Child propels thousands of people across the country and in the Tri-County area to fill shoe boxes which are sent to millions of boys and girls in poverty-stricken, war-torn countries. 

An empty shoe box may seem like nothing, but stuffed with small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, socks, caps, candy, etc., along with the message of God written in their own language, it can transform the lives of improvised children. 

For many children, the boxes are the only presents they have ever received. Most of these children have never heard the gospel message. In 2008, the Tri-County area shipped over 4,000 shoe boxes to these children. These boxes were added to more than 7 million sent around the world. 

Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse states, “Every shoe box offers an opportunity to share the good news of the Savior with a hurting child.”

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to people. If you, your church or community organization would like to be part of this wonderful project, just do the following:

1. Use an empty shoe box (standard size) or a small plastic container.

2. Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Label your box on top of the lid. (Brochures are available with labels.)

3. Fill your box with school supplies (pencils, crayons, writing pads, etc.); toys (small cars, balls, dolls, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yo’s, slinky, etc.); and hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, washcloth, soap in a bag, etc.)

4. Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online through the EZ give method at www.samartianspurse.org/occ.

5. Pray for the child that receives your box.

Operation Christmas Child brochures are available at First Christian Church, 100 Kentucky Avenue, Corbin; Sonshine Christian Bookstore, 141 W Cumberland Gap Parkway, Corbin; First Baptist Church, London; and Main Street Baptist Church, Williamsburg.

Filled shoe boxes can be dropped off through Nov. 22. Collections centers include the area Relay Center located at First Christian Church in Corbin Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Sonshine Christian Bookstore during their regular business hours; and First Baptist Church in London.

Area Relay Coordinators are Phil and Joyce Fox. They can be contacted at philjoycefox@aol.com or phone 606-523-2381.

If you haven’t participated in this wonderful service yet, we encourage you to join us in 2009.