Operation Christmas Child: The Season Is Upon Us!

Kosovo, 1999

All right, folks! It's that time of the year again! National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child is only a month and a half away! The official collection dates for 2008 are November 17-24. Although, if you live in a city where there is a processing center, then you have a little longer to get your shoe boxes in, FYI. ... Also, keep in mind that specific hours and dates during collection week can vary by location. To find a drop-off location near you, go here.

Anyway, it's time to start working on your boxes. First ... have you ordered your supplies yet? If not, don't panic--there's still time. And you don't really need to order anything. But if you want the latest brochures (with the labels) and stickers for the kids and this year's DVD, then I'd recommend placing your order today. It's completely free.

If you are ordering for a group, definitely get the DVD. (Heck, I get one for myself just about every year anyway. But you can watch it online, too.) There are several versions of the latest video on the DVD--with different lengths--so you can show whichever version fits your meeting schedule. And be sure to get at least one brochure for each person in your group, plus a few extras. May I also suggest at least one sticker per person, too. (I am a sucker for stickers!) Prayer guides are offered to help with the most important ingredient in Operation Christmas Child--prayer. Depending on your needs, also available are posters, ministry reports, and bumper stickers. And if your church is participating, you also can request church bulletin inserts! Take advantage of these resources that are available to help you meet your shoe box goal!

My brother, Johnny, helping me pack shoe boxes, 1999

And speaking of shoe box goals ... what is yours? Is this your first year participating? How many do you want to fill? One? Five? 10? 25? 100? However many you fill, each and every box is important and is an individual gift that will share the love of Christ with a child in need.

Happy Packing!