Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children, in more than 100 countries since 1993. During shoebox distributions, local churches present a Gospel message about how Jesus is The Greatest Gift the children could ever receive. Then, they invite the children to a 12-lesson discipleship course called “The Greatest Journey.”

It’s important as parents, to not only live out our faith in front of our children, but to also include them in doing mission together! Operation Christmas Child provides a great way to teach your children about caring for others as your family blesses children all around the world.

Here are several ideas on how you and your family can make an impact with Operation Christmas Child this year:

1. Give Thanks

Thank God for how He is working in the life of your family. Talk with your child about how important it is to share the message of Jesus with others, especially with those who haven’t heard about Him. Explore additional ways that you and your family can share about Jesus in your community.

2. Select Gift Items

You can include handmade items that you and your child have created. If you prefer to purchase the gifts, encourage your children to select gift items they think other children would like. Some people prefer to follow a theme, such as buying items of similar color. If your aim is to go gift shopping in one trip, consider making it a race among your family members. Can you fill a box—within budget—in 10 minutes or less?

3. Personalize It

Write a note and include a photo of your family in your shoebox. A photo transcends language differences and puts a face to the gift. Your kids can fill out our “Let’s Be Friends” coloring pages as another way to personalize the gift.

4. Emphasize Prayer

Pray before, during, and after packing your shoeboxes. Pray for smooth passage of the shoeboxes to their destinations. Pray for the local churches who will distribute these shoeboxes, as well as for the children who will receive them. Ask God to use your gift to open doors for the Gospel with their families.

Make this into one of your family traditions each year, and create new ideas along the way!

For more info on Operation Christmas Child click here!

**You can also donate supplies at the Operation Christmas Child booth on Sunday mornings for the shoebox party on Nov. 13th @ 1PM!