I know it's only October, but the other day we went out buying Christmas presents, but not for our family or friends - we are taking part in Operation Christmas Child.
Operation Christmas Child is a global charity that fills shoe boxes with gifts for children that are unlikely to receive Christmas presents themselves.
This is a brilliant activity to do with kids, you get to help someone less privileged than yourself, you get to teach your kids to give and at the same time aid them in their journey to think more globally.
I was given a leaflet outlining what to put in the box, but as the boys can't read yet I created a list of the types of things we could buy by making a little cardboard clipboard and a visual checklist - excuse the poor drawings! When we were actually shopping they didn't really use the lists, but they were a great way to explain what we were doing.
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Then off shopping we went.
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And, here's the end result - two boxes with cuddly toys, toys, toothbrush, toothpaste, colouring pad and pencils.
You can select to make a box for a boy or girl of different ages and even better if you register online you get to track your box and find out what country it's been sent to.
Want to do this yourself? You can find out more about Operations Christmas Child here if you're British, here if you're American, here if you're Canadian and here if you're Australian or from New Zealand. There are thousands of drop off points and each website gives you information as to how to get involved.
Make a child's Christmas, it doesn't cost much, it's a great family activity and it's a great way to kick start your festive season.
This is such a great idea! We always have lots of opportunities like this in our local area during the holidays, but the requirements get kind of pricey so we've never participated. I love that these are little things the kids can help pick out.
ReplyDeleteWe do this every year through our church! So much fun to get the kiddos involved! thanks for linking up to Mom's Library!
ReplyDeleteJulie
What a good life lesson and project!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to teach your kids to give! Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a GREAT weekend,
ReplyDeleteBeth =-)
We love doing the Christmas boxes every year, too. Each of my kids gets to choose one to fill. Great job on yours!
ReplyDeletePinned to my Season of Giving Board - absolutely love that you do this and the way you helped them get really involved with this is great.
ReplyDeleteI'm involved at a South African Childrens home for HIV-infected children. We also receive these boxes at Christmas (locally provided) & are very grateful. But even deprived kids want a treat - their faces just drop at yet ANOTHER tube of toothpaste, facecloth or a pencil for school (my own kids would too). Small inexpensive gifts make a HUGE difference (bubbles, whistle, torch, small car, soft toy, coloured pens etc). They also need fun gifts (and we will always find the toiletry necessities for them from other sources).
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. We filled our boxes based on the information we received from Operation Christmas Child, but don't worry there was also a soft toy, another toy, colouring pencils, stickers etc in there so hopefully it'll be a fun gift for any child to receive. All the best with your charity this Christmas and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGreat way to teach children the gift of giving. I am hosting a month long link up for posts like this on Nov 5th. I hope you will join me to help Moms teach their children how to give and have compassion for others. Thanks for sharing last week at Mom's Library!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great lesson to teach! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
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