Just a reminder that National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is going on this week!  We are getting our boxes put together to drop off later this week (you can find a drop-off for your area here).

By the way, it’s not too late to join!  The drop-off locations will be open through the 25th of November!  If you’d like to know more or pack a box, you can find out what it’s all about over at the Operation Christmas Child website.

I have been packing shoeboxes for a long time (even when I was in high school, so you know that was a while ago…), but it’s become even more meaningful for me now with our little family.  It is such a hands-on way to serve others, and it’s been a blessing to watch them pick out the gifts to put in the box and discuss what would make the little girl receiving the box most happy!  We’ve also been blessed to receive a letter from two girls who received our shoeboxes one year.  That was an awesome surprise!

Operation Christmas Child also offers an option for you to pay the shipping costs online and have your package tracked.  We did that last year and spent some time studying the countries where our gifts were handed out!

If you don’t have time to pack a shoebox, you can also do the “Build-a-Box” online program.  You’ll be able to click through in a matter of minutes and fill a shoebox!  No trips to the store necessary!

Whether it’s through giving shoeboxes, buying gifts for a needy family in your area, or working at your local food pantry, I hope you’ll find some way to serve others this holiday season!