For several years now, one of my greatest joys during this time of year is filling an “Operation Christmas Child” shoebox. I’m sure many of you have heard of the popular program from Samaritan’s Purse that provides gifts in a shoebox for children around the world.
To me, there’s something special about doing this little act of good. Knowing there’s a child out there, somewhere in the world, who has perhaps already lived a tough life. The thought of me being able to help bring a little bit of fun into their life gives me more joy than anyone can ever know. When I do pack a box, I literally take the box with me into the store. The first thing I do is take care of the kind of stuff we all used to get for Christmas, usually from an aunt or grandparent; things like socks. Yes I know we all need socks and that child somewhere in the world, can probably use a pair or two of socks. Then, I find something “educational” like crayons or something like that. I might pick up a cool toothbrush or something else “useful.” Then, I move on to the fun stuff. That might be a stuffed animal, or a race car, or something that might make a little boy or girl say, “wow” (or whatever word in their language that means the same as “wow).