operation christmas child
It's that time of year again... it's SHOEBOX TIME! Samaritan's Purse collects shoeboxes filled with toys and other fun items and delivers them to children around the world in partnership with local churches. Each gift, prayerfully and uniquely packed, is an opportunity for the Gospel to transform the life of a child, a family, and a community. Since 2012, our St. John's congregation has filled and shipped over 2500 shoe boxes to countries such as Ukraine, Namibia, Madagascar, Togo, Jamaica, Peru, Zambia and Malawi.
We are looking for small gifts to fill shoeboxes for both boys and girls ages 10-14 years old. Each month leading up to National Collection Week in November, we will be collecting items with hopes to again fill 300 boxes!
August: School Supply Month - crayons, markers, colored pencils, pens/pencils, pencil sharpeners, small notebooks, rulers, stickers, and other misc. school supplies
September: Personal Hygiene Month - toothbrushes, wash cloths, small bars of soap, girl's hair items, combs/brushes, travel Kleenex, dental floss, etc. This year we plan to put a pair of socks in each box. NO TOOTHPASTE OR LIQUID SOAPS.
October - Small Toys Month - balloons, cars, musical instruments/whistles, puzzles, jump ropes, balls, playdoh, travel games, etc.
Remember, toys must be SMALL enough to fit in a shoebox.
All items can be dropped off at church in the gift box by the Office. If you prefer to donate monetarily, an envelope can be dropped off or sent to church or put in the offering box labeled "OCC" with checks payable to St. John's. It takes $10 postage to ship each shoebox.
Most importantly, please pray for the children receiving these gifts that their eyes are opened to our Savior this Christmas!
Any questions can be directed to Lindsay Bader by email at lindsaybader@hotmail.com or phone: 815-291-9637.
We thank you in advance for your love and continued support of this ministry!