How do you teach your children about giving, compassion, empathy, kindness? One way I like to do it this time of year is by participating in Operation Christmas Child. The program was started by Samaritan’s Purse and I think it’s a great program to participate in as a family–perfect for teaching the boys about compassion and thinking of others! 
I first found out about Operation Christmas Child from my MOPS group that I started with a few years ago. Since then, we’ve done a box each year. Thus far, we just complete one family box for a little boy similar in age to ours. However, in the future, I’m hoping that each boy will do their own box. Since the national collection week is coming up next week (November 12-19th), we’ve started working on our box! 
I personally love using the shoebox-size plastic bins as opposed to a “real” cardboard shoebox. I think the plastic bins themselves probably have some extra value to some of the children and their families. My boys love coloring so much, that I love including paper, coloring books, and crayons in our boxes. And, we of course like to put in some fun little toys too. I usually like to find something soft or plush to include as most young kiddos find them so comforting. But, there are lots of ideas on Operation Christmas Child’s site to get you started! In fact, here are instructions for how to pack a box:
1. 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.
2. Boy or Girl? 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. You can download a label online or click the Follow Your Box option to get a special label to learn the destination of you shoe box gift.
3. Fill it up! Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child such as toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. A list of suggested gift items is available.
4. Donate $7
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 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.
5. Drop Off. Click here to find the closest drop-off location during you and drop off your box during OCC’s National Collection Week, Nov. 12-19, 2012.
The process is really so simple and it’s a wonderful family activity to start the holiday season off right! For more info, you can check out the Frequently Asked Questions here.
This holiday season build a box with your family to teach kindness, compassion, and generosity.
BlogFrog will match the first 200 boxes that are built. Pledge your commitment below to build a box today on Facebook or Twitter!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Operation Christmas Child. The opinions and text are all mine.
One Response
A fun way to teach about generosity and caring. When the boys where small I tried to teach by example. Wether it was taking a meal to a sick or bereaved friend or shoveling the walk for an elderly neighbor. They usually came along. Now that they are adults they make me so proud when I see how compasionate they are.