Operation Christmas Child

I read another blog today which was thinking about Christmas before Halloween. It made me realize that it's okay to think about the season any time of the year, especially since that is the time of year that we tend to give more freely, act happier, communicate with our loved ones more, and act like we feel better in every way. It reminded me of my major task today which really was a pleasure and that was to fill a shoe box. Have you ever tried to fill a shoe box with something other than shoes? After today, I can tell you that the box holds much, much more than one would expect. Elsie and I went to Wally World today to buy things for Franklin Graham's Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse. If you are not familiar with this project, it's a way of helping children who are or have been affected by natural disaster, wars, poverty, or some other hurtful experience. Folks are asked to fill a shoe box with items that would make a child happy at Christmas. We are to decide on the age and sex of a child for which we wish to purchase gifts. These items can be toys, school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, snacks, etc. Once filled, the boxes are delivered to a collection location where they are then dispersed all over the world. A check for $5.00 is to be included in the box to defray costs of shipping and handling. What a wonderful mission! We purchased some items in each category; yet, there is room for much more, so tomorrow I will purchase additional items. If you include your name and address, the child who receives your shoe box may write you. Isn't it amazing how such a small item can bring such a world of happiness to a child? And one of my favorite things to do that makes me happy is to give to others, at least in the small way that I can afford to do so.