2019 Operation Christmas Child Begins

Amelia Symons, Staff Writer

A company known as the Samaritan’s Purse: International Relief is in the middle of their annual Operation Christmas Child donations. The Operation Christmas Child idea is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to boys and girls all around the world in over 100 countries worldwide. A lot of the children that will receive these gifts have never received gifts before or even heard anything about the Christmas story, so it is important that we do what we can to help others in underdeveloped countries enjoy Christmas as much as we do in a first world country. This year the dates that gifts can be dropped off is November 18 through November 25.

It is very simple to send a Christmas gift to a child in need. All you need is a shoebox and $10 to $15. First, find a shoebox or a regular box that is about the size of a shoebox. Then, decide whether you want your box to be for a boy or a girl. Once you know what gender you are sending a gift to, choose the age of the child that will be receiving this gift. There is an option for ages because children of different ages have different needs. The age groups are 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. After you know what age and gender you will be sending your box to, fill your box with small gifts. The box is meant to be filled with necessities mainly, but you can also add fun items. For girls, you can give a hair brush, toothbrush, washcloth, bars of soap, a blanket, clothing, school supplies, a friendship bracelet, arts and craft items, and small toys. For boys, your box can include a hairbrush, toothbrush, deodorant, washcloth, bandaids, flashlight, clothing, and different sports equipment. For any box, you should include a little personal note telling them about yourself. Items that you should not pack in any box are candy, toothpaste, food, liquids, medicines, aerosol cans, breakable items, or anything relating to war. Once your shoebox is filled, you pay $9 for a shipping label and then you drop your box off at any available drop-off locations. 

The Samaritan’s Purse is doing more than just the Operation Christmas Child every holiday season. Some of their many other missions include international crisis response, disaster relief, construction projects, nutrition programs, and childrens’ ministries. People from all over the world can donate money to send people to disaster-stricken and third-world countries to help the people living there.

The Samaritan’s Purse, and more specifically, Operation Christmas Child is a great organization with great intentions to help those around the world who are less fortunate during the holiday season. I would highly recommend spending the less than $20 or $25 to send a Christmas gift to a child in need, donating money, or donating your time. You never know how grateful these people will be.