Seven weeks to Operation Christmas Child. Christmas is a time of joy, especially for children eagerly opening presents under the tree. This year, sadly, there will be no presents for many of those children caught up in the disasters, wars and diseases all over the world unless you pack a shoebox with school items, personal items and a special “wow” toy like a stuffed animal, doll, soccer ball with pump (No toothpaste or candy).

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered over 146 million of these shoeboxes in 160 countries and territories. So many stories have been told of how those simple shoeboxes have impacted the life of a child, the family and even villages and surrounding areas.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Each shoebox recipient receives a booklet called The Greatest Gift; teaching the child of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. The child is then invited to attend a 12-week discipleship course, The Greatest Journey. Upon completion, the child will receive a diploma and New Testament Bible in their language.

Since 2009, over 5 million children accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior through The Greatest Journey. If you are interested in bringing hope, joy and love in a child’s life, pack a shoebox gift and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate. National Collection Week is November 13-20 and Trinity Lutheran Church is the drop-off location. For more information on how to pack a shoebox, go to samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Last year the amazing people of Fountain Hills packed 1,488 shoeboxes. Thank you! This year, let’s go all out for a goal of 1700. We can do it!