close

A good samaritan

By Joyce Koballa jkoballa@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

The next time you buy a pair of shoes, take note of the box they came in.

It’s the same size gift that millions of impoverished children in other countries will receive this year made possible by the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, Operation Christmas Child.

Unlike traditional Christmas presents, these boxes will be filled with everyday items we often take for granted like soap, toothbrushes and combs.

But, they’ll also be packed with fun tokens such as small games, stuffed animals and coloring or reading books.

As most children wake up early on Christmas morning to find multiple presents under the tree, it’s hard to believe that others their age will get the only gift they may receive all year.

Knowing that I was able to make a difference in the life of a needy child is rewarding and something that should be done year round and not just at Christmas.

It also teaches my kids to be grateful for the things I have been able to provide them with in their lives.

Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has collected and delivered more than 113 million gift-filled shoe boxes to children in over 150 countries through Operation Christmas Child.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.

The organization serves the church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This year’s goal is to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 10 million children.

For less than $20, you can fill the empty shoe boxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.

The boxes are usually available at participating churches and also online at www.samaritanspurse.org.

Shoebox gifts are prepared for overseas shipment at nine major processing centers across the United States.

Children that receive shoe boxes also have the opportunity to participate in a 12-lesson discipleship program where they can receive  the gift of knowing and following Jesus Christ.

Although this year’s collection ended in November, the opportunity to pack a personalized shoebox can be done online any time during the year.

It’s never too late to take the first step.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $4.79/week.

Subscribe Today