{"id":245182,"date":"2024-07-18T22:17:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T22:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/18\/give-back-this-season-with-operation-christmas-child\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:14:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:14:26","slug":"give-back-this-season-with-operation-christmas-child","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/18\/give-back-this-season-with-operation-christmas-child\/","title":{"rendered":"Give Back This Season with Operation Christmas Child"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Start gathering items to fill a shoebox for a child in need via Operation Christmas Child!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Operation<\/p>\n

While we all know that Christmas isn\u2019t really about the gifts, <\/span>Operation Christmas Child<\/a> provides kids in need with surprises they wouldn\u2019t have otherwise received. <\/span>Families like yours can participate by preparing a package of small gifts for a child in need! Operation Christmas Child will be collecting these packages starting November 18, 2024.<\/p>\n

If you like to find ways to give back and make a difference around the holidays, you\u2019ll love this inspiring and affordable way to make a child\u2019s Christmas extra special. Plus, with Christmas still a ways away, it\u2019s a great time to scout some deals and start gathering these small gifts!<\/p>\n

\"girl<\/p>\n

It all starts with a shoebox<\/a>! You can simply take an average-sized shoebox that is cardboard or plastic. Make a $10 donation to receive a label<\/a> to attach to your box. This label indicates the gender and age range of the child that should receive your box.<\/p>\n

Then, pack it up with one medium to large \u201cwow\u201d gift and fill the rest with small gifts<\/a>. It is recommended to include a personal note and photo as sometimes these are the child\u2019s favorite things to receive!<\/p>\n

Come holiday season, drop your box off at any participating church or drop-off location<\/a> during National Collection Week, which runs from November 18th through November 25th. They will take care of sending it out to a child in need. You can also opt to mail your own box if you\u2019d prefer. You can even track it with a donation-based label to see where your gift is delivered!<\/p>\n

\"operation<\/h2>\n

Look for special Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes at Hobby Lobby!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hobby Lobby offers special red and green totes for purchase<\/a> for just $3.99 in their online store. You may also see these in-store as Christmas approaches!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re already shopping at Hobby Lobby<\/a>, then this could be the perfect opportunity to add a few shoeboxes to your shopping cart and make some more personalized gifts for kids in need.<\/p>\n

\"people<\/p>\n

Start collecting your gifts for Operation Christmas Child 2024 now! <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Collection week for Operation Christmas Child 2024 is November 18\u201325, so it\u2019s time to start filling boxes with small gifts now! These gifts can include toys, non-liquid hygiene products, school supplies, and other thoughtful items. Check out this helpful list of gift ideas<\/a> for more suggestions sorted by age and gender.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to also include a personal note and photo. These are among the children\u2019s favorite things to receive!<\/p>\n

\"list<\/p>\n

\"Operation<\/p>\n

Our Hip Sidekick, Melinda, has been involved with Operation Christmas Child for quite some time!<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s what she had to say about her wonderful experience:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ve spent many years packing Operation Christmas Child boxes from the comfort of my home in the U.S. This was something my family and I loved to do through our local church. I enjoyed the experience of packing these boxes. It was so fun for my kids to find creative items for the boxes. We would include a picture of our family and personal notes in the boxes, too. We started tracking the boxes and got to see which countries they ended up in. <\/em><\/p>\n

Then, we became missionaries in Jamaica. After four years of living in Jamaica, we were given the opportunity to help distribute hundreds of Operation Christmas Child boxes. Can I tell you the JOY these boxes bring children?! It was absolutely amazing, heartwarming, and so fulfilling getting to see in person the difference these simple boxes made to these dear children. What a privilege to play a small role in this ministry.<\/em><\/p>\n

Now that we live in the U.S. again, we\u2019re already planning the boxes we will be packing in the coming weeks!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Need some inspiration? Here are some affordable ideas for your Operation Christmas Child boxes that you can order or buy in-store:<\/em><\/h2>\n

1. Kid\u2019s toothbrushes<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"toothbrushes<\/a><\/p>\n

Starting at just a couple of bucks, you can scoop up some much-needed essentials like a toothbrush. Kids are always in need of small hygiene items, so don\u2019t forget to throw in these must-haves.<\/p>\n\n

2. Paintbrushes & paint<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Crayola<\/a><\/p>\n

Affordable paints and other art supplies are great additions to your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.<\/p>\n\n

3. A deck of cards<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"deck<\/a><\/p>\n

A deck of playing cards can give a child countless options for games and even some learning too! Whether they\u2019re playing War<\/em>,\u00a0Spoons<\/em>,\u00a0Go Fish,<\/em>\u00a0or Solitare<\/em>, a deck of cards comes with endless possibilities and no language barriers.<\/p>\n\n

4. Coloring books & crayons\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"hand<\/a><\/p>\n

Kids can enjoy coloring books and crayons anywhere! Not only will they get to express their creativity on paper, but they can also share their masterpieces with others.<\/p>\n\n

5. A flashlight & batteries<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"6<\/a><\/p>\n

At first glance, a flashlight might seem like a practical gift. But if you\u2019ve ever handed one to a kid, you know that they can be a whole lot of fun, too! Reading in the dark, playing flashlight tag, making shadow puppets \u2013 the possibilities are endless! Be sure to throw in some batteries<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n\n

6. A bag or backpack<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"white<\/a><\/p>\n

These inexpensive drawstring bags are such a versatile gift! Kids of all ages can use them to carry their belongings to school, to visit family, or while out and about in their community. They\u2019re sturdy, they\u2019re highly-rated, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns.<\/p>\n

Be sure to check for inexpensive backpacks with the school supplies at Dollar Tree<\/a>, too. We\u2019ve seen them there for just $1.25!<\/p>\n\n

7. Stickers\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"pack<\/a><\/p>\n

A pack of stickers won\u2019t take up much space in your shoebox, but they\u2019ll add a lot of fun to your gift! Kids will enjoy sharing them with their friends, too.<\/p>\n\n

8. Add a highly sought-after gift idea like Squishmallows!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Hand<\/a><\/p>\n

Operation Christmas Child suggests adding a \u201cWow\u201d item to every shoebox, and a miniature Squishmallows is the perfect surprise to delight any kid! We often see the small ones priced at around $5 at retailers like Walmart<\/a>, Walgreens<\/a>, and Five Below<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

9. A jump rope<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"jump<\/a><\/p>\n

Every kid should have a jump rope for outdoor fun and fitness! They\u2019re easy to pack in a shoebox, too.<\/p>\n\n

10. Sunglasses\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"display<\/a><\/p>\n

Since you don\u2019t know where in the world your donation will be shipped, gifting accessories can be tricky. Should you send mittens or flip-flops?! A good alternative may be sunglasses since UV protection is important in any climate!<\/p>\n\n

Check out our other toy deals<\/a>!<\/b><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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