Operation Christmas Child 2012

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child.  Yes.  It is that time of year again.  Let’s not get caught up in all the excitement of the Holidays and forget the meaning of the season.  Operation Christmas Child is organized in November, which is the time for giving.  I’ve taught you how to save money all year long.  From groceries to toys.  This is when some of those items you might not need or use come in handy.  Whenever I see a toy hit 90% or FREE, you better believe I grabbed it.  Even if it’s something my child wouldn’t be interested in, I get it because I have a different pupose in mind.  I start this process in January every year.  That way, when Christmas rolls around, I have extras to hand out!

Operation Christmas Child is a great way to give back.  If you are new to Operation Christmas Child, let me give you a few details.

Operation Christmas Child

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.  Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation”option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop it off at the
collection center nearest you during our collection week, November 12-19, 2012

Pictured above are two Operation Christmas Child boxes prepared by a friend of mine.  She Didn’t use sales or coupons and still made awesome gifts from things found at the Dollar Tree for $12 a box.  It can be done, even if you haven’t been preparing for it as long as me.  This is also FUN for the kids to help out with.  As soon as we start making our boxes, I’ll update this post with our pictures and boxes.

Please remember that drop off dates are November 12th-29th this year, so don’t miss out.  If you can’t drop it off in time, or get it to your local drop off, ask around.  If you know me or are local to me, you can give it to me and I will drop it off with ours.  Don’t hesitate to post a picture of your Operation Christmas Child box on the Fun 2B Frugal Facebook page!

Thanks, Chelsea!