Thank you to everyone who helped us fill boxes in 2011. We are not currently collecting. Please check back next October for more information.
You often hear the phrase “the power of a simple gift.” That describes Operation Christmas Child in a nutshell. Last year, 8.2 million gift-filled shoe boxes brought smiles to the faces of hurting children in places like earthquake-devastated Haiti and war-scarred Sudan. Beyond the boxes themselves, these tangible expressions of God’s love open doors for us to share the greatest gift He offers—the gift of the Savior, Jesus Christ. A harvest of faith has already taken place through the follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. Boys and girls in dozens of countries are becoming faithful followers of Jesus and telling others the Good News.We here at Shiloh have the opportunity to share in this program starting with our Kick-off on October 22nd, and we will continue to collect items through November 13th. Wrapped shoe boxes will be available in the Narthex and in the hallway outside the Life Center for you to pick up and fill beginning October 22nd. A limited number of unwrapped boxes will be available too, If you prefer to gift wrap your own. Wrap your shoebox and lid separately in Christmas paper. Plastic shoe boxes with lids are especially valuable to the entire family, as they can be used for bug-free storage of staples and water.
GIFT IDEAS FIRST: Determine whether you want to give your gift to a boy or girl and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Labels will be rubber banded to your box.
TOYS: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of ivory soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. OTHER: hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
A PERSONAL NOTE: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war–related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans
PLEASE REMEMBER: Include a donation of $7.00 in the box to cover shipping and other project costs. Please make only one check even if you are giving more than one shoebox. Make checks payable to: Samaritan’s Purse. Then place a rubber band around each shoe box and lid and drop it off at the church.
If you prefer to not put a shoebox together, please consider making a monetary donation to Samaritan’s Purse in the form of a check.
We will also have available a large box for you to drop off single item donations.
We are so thankful to Dean Merder, from the Santa Claus UMC, who is the Relay Center Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child. Dean and his crew will come by Shiloh on November 20th with his truck to pick up our boxes and deliver them to Evansville, a designated distribution point.
If you have any questions, please contact Connie Harmon (309-826-3150), Julie Burns (812-634-9638), or Deanna Farley (812-631-0711).