operation christmas child

I saw a tweet about {Samaritan’s Purse} Operation Christmas Child and was all over it.  Honestly, I’ve never heard of this project before … but better late then never, right?

Collections are being taken through the end of this week … sooo … I loaded up the girls this weekend and headed to Target!  The girls {and Piper’s friend} each picked a child {boy or girl, and age group} they wanted to bless and away we went.  And can I just say … Target’s $1.00 bins kinda rock my world!

This is a super easy way to bring joy into a child’s life this Christmas season.  In fact, I dare you to watch this video and not want to go out and pack a box.


As part of the instructions, we’re asked to pray over each box as it’s packed.  The girls were agreeable to let me record their prayers to share with you.  And um, yes … one of my girls does walk on the drama side of life!


OH! and one other cool thing … if you make a donation online to go with your box {they ask for $7.00 to help with shipping, etc. costs}, you get a label with a tracking number so you can follow where your box goes. What a perfect way for kids to see how their efforts and prayers are making an impact in the world.

15 Comments

  1. Dawn November 15, 2011 at 2:27 am

    What a great idea and a wonderful thing to do! I love those Target dollar bins too : )

    Reply
  2. Jessica Lynette November 15, 2011 at 7:47 am

    I use to volunteer at the large donation center in Toronto through my teen years – it’s a fabulous organization!!

    Reply
  3. dawn November 15, 2011 at 7:48 am

    our youth group is collecting… and it is a favorite activity for laura & cam! paid for our boxes online… but now we need to shop!

    Reply
  4. heather November 15, 2011 at 7:55 am

    Love Miss Wynt’s confidence! And cannot resist that Hunt smile at the end. :-) Sounds like a great project!

    Reply
  5. pamela November 15, 2011 at 8:46 am

    yep, we do these, too. tracie, where do you get the pic postcards made?

    Reply
  6. cyndi November 15, 2011 at 11:12 am

    I did this a few years ago and LOVED it! Thinking I’d like to do it again this year. Especially after seeing your sweet girls praying over their boxes. I’m with Heather – loved Wynt’s confidence. That one can always put a smile on my face :-) Actually, they all can…just in different ways. Hello…when did Hunt’s hair get so long???

    Reply
  7. Nancy S November 15, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    Aud and I just picked up our stuff last night! It was fun and a great opportunity to talk about blessing others!

    Reply
  8. Roberta November 15, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    We just sent ours this week! Our church has done this every year. My kids so enjoyed picking things for their box. And I was excited about the following of the boxes except…we paid after I had already taken the boxes to church…so it was too late to follow them :( Next year!

    Reply
  9. Laura M. November 16, 2011 at 7:37 am

    I love this!! Thank you for sharing! This holiday season, I’ve resolved to not buy gifts, but instead, spend my time volunteering and giving to others. This is a great project.

    Reply
  10. katherinemarie November 16, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Such a special GIFT!!!! WE are about half way done packing our box! Thanks for reminding me to get it done ASAP. I really love all the hand-made touches and the idea of praying for the child who will receive the box!!

    Reply
  11. Amy T November 17, 2011 at 11:57 am

    Oh my gosh, they’re all so flippin’ adorable… Winter is an absolute hoot. A girl after my own heart! What a wonderful lesson they’re learning, and good for you for instilling such wonderful values into them.

    Reply
  12. Sarah August 26, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Just a note to say I stumbled across this and LOVE LOVE LOVE that you have been introduced into a wonderful mission. My family and I have been involved with OCC for many years now and spend a week of volunteer time each year working in a distribution center. The faith of so many carry this mission to millions of children and every contribution is so valuable and appreciated. God bless your family!

    Reply
  13. Linda October 20, 2012 at 10:51 pm

    What a great idea and I love hearing your girls pray over the boxes! What a great testimony & a great way to witness to others! I pray that God will bless your family as you continue to bless others!

    Reply
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