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.

AM 1240 WJON logo
Get our free mobile app

That is what Operation Christmas Child is all about, along with a Christian focus.

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.

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.

Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child
loading...

WHAT IS IN THE SHOEBOX?

Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God's immense love for the child. For many, it is their first gift ever! Delivered by our local church partners, shoebox gifts provide an opportunity to present the Gospel to boys and girls in a clear, child-friendly way.

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.

LOOK: Holiday gift crazes and fads of the past century

Stacker compiled a list of toy crazes from the past 100 years. 

Gallery Credit: Jennnifer Billock

TOP 10: The best holiday TV specials of all time, ranked

 

More From AM 1240 WJON