Minnesota Drop-off Spots & Ideas for Operation Christmas Child Charity
I realize that we are a couple of months away from the Christmas holiday season, but this is the time when we can be a bit proactive about helping kids that are in need. And some that may or may not have ever had the excitement of opening up a gift.
That is what Operation Christmas Child is all about, along with a Christian focus.
It was an idea that that started as a favor that was asked to give gifts to kids in Eastern Europe. Since Christmas was months away, the favor was forgotten until there was a call around Thanksgiving. That's when Samaritan's Purse president Franklin Graham asked for help from a Pastor friend of his, and enlisted the help from people at his church in Charlotte. Since then, it has grown all across the nation.
There are a few drop off locations right here in Central Minnesota. Here is a list of SOME of them.
Saint Cloud, MN - Westwood Community Church
Cold Spring, MN - River of Life Assembly of God
Little Falls, MN - Faith Lutheran Church
Hutchinson, MN - Maplewood Academy
Long Prairie, MN - River of Life Church
Glencoe, MN - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
There are several other locations as well, and the hours for each spot have been listed on the Operation Christmas Child website.
WHAT IS IN THE SHOEBOX?
You can choose to use just a random shoebox that you have laying around, or you can purchase the preprinted shoeboxes available on the website. You can buy a bundle of 50 for just $33.
Here are some more ideas:
FUN—includes a “wow” item and other quality toys
FULL—packed to the brim with additional school supplies and personal care items
PERSONALIZED—prayed over and contains a note and photo, which are often the child’s favorite items!
There is also a list of ideas for traditional items for either boys or girls listed on the website. This is a great way to just help kids in other areas that may have normally had to do without had it not been for this program.
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