Operation Christmas Child is underway, with shoe boxes being packed to send off to children around the world. National collection week for the boxes is Monday, November 17 – November 24.
Kourtney Ogle, project coordinator at Broken Bow’s Evangelical Free Church, described the program to KCNI/KBBN.
“These gift-filled shoe boxes will be sent around the world to different countries to kids who may have never received a Christmas gift before or doesn’t really have a lot of things either,” explained Ogle. “So we will pack toothbrushes and washcloths and things like that, and they might not even have enough money to afford those type of things. The cool thing about every box that goes out though, is before they receive the box, they are presented with the gospel story in a kid-friendly way.”
Those wishing to send a gift box to a child in need are encouraged to use either a regular-sized shoe box they already have or one of the program-specific boxes available. Pack with an exciting toy, along with everyday items such as pencils or small clothing items appropriate for the age of the boy or girl selected, and drop it off. The church will take it from there and ensure the gifts arrive somewhere in the world where it is needed most.
A $10 fee covers shipping and administrative costs for sending the shoe box.
Several items cannot be shipped in an Operation Christmas Child box, including new this year, bars of soap.
“It was just made it hard to get through customs and they were getting stopped,” said Ogle. “So no more bars of soap. No candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items, scary or war-related items, seeds, food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items or glass containers and aerosol cans.”
Those who want to be involved or volunteer with the Operation Christmas Child project can contact Ogle at 308-870-1261 or the E-Free Church office 308-872-3000. More information about Operation Christmas Child can also be found at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child
Click here to listen to our full conversation with Kourtney Ogle about Operation Christmas Child:
