Close your eyes for a moment and think of the best Christmas gift that you have ever received. Think of the anticipation of opening the gift, and the immediate joy you felt upon receiving it. Most of all, think of the impact that the gift had on you in the weeks, months, and even years to come. The most amazing thing about a gift is that it can change a life, when it's given in the right way to the person who needs it. With that being said, Operation Christmas Child is a program that focuses on the giving of necessary gifts to those who are in desperate need, and the results are absolutely life changing.
What exactly is Operation Christmas Child?
OCC is a program organized by Samaritan's Purse, which is an international relief foundation. Basically how it works, is you get an old shoe box, and you wrap it in festive Christmas wrapping paper. Then you fill it with toys and necessities such as hygiene items, all catered to a child of a specific age and gender. Once your box is packed, you buy a label online, and seal the box. You'll drop off your box at a local drop-off location, and a few months later you'll get to see where your shoe box ended up.
Samaritan's purse has distributed over 124 million shoeboxes to children in need in foreign countries since 1993. The giving of this simple gift has been making a huge impact on the lives of so many children who need it the most. Remember how we talked about the best gift you've ever received? Remember how you felt when you received it? That is exactly what it's like for these kids. A light in the midst of darkness, a reason for hope. When you see the pictures and videos of children opening up their shoe boxes, I can guarantee that you will understand the magic and hope of this program. Seeing them smile and laugh with absolute joy, and to know that you've impacted their life in such a huge way- it's amazing. If there's one thing I've learned about giving, it's that the giver is impacted just as much, if not more than the receiver.
I have been participating in this program for over ten years, and every single year, I look forward to it. The whole collective experience is magical. Think of it like this. This simple little box that you pack, is going to travel across the world and end up in the hands of a child who needs it. They’re going to open the box and pull out each thing that you specifically selected just for them, and it’s going to be a pivotal moment in their life. This one simple shoebox has the power to completely change a life, to bring so much hope and joy to a place that is in desperate need of it. Isn’t that what giving is all about?
Here’s my call to you: get involved with this amazing program. Pack one box or several, donate to Samaritan’s Purse, get involved with the collection process. Operation Christmas Child is changing lives every year, one shoe box at a time, and all it takes is a little time and effort. This small gift can bring so much joy and hope, and I promise you that even though your shoebox will travel halfway around the world, you’ll notice the impact taking place right within your own heart. That’s because even though you’re giving a gift, you’re also receiving one- we experience love by spreading love. I encourage you with everything I have, take part in this program. Experience firsthand the love and hope of OCC this year, and get involved with something that makes good things happen. I can guarantee that you won’t regret it.
To learn more about Operation Christmas Child, and for more information on how to get involved, visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christma...