Operation Christmas Child Project of Samaritan's Purse...

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." MATTHEW 19:14. NIV

A gift of joy and a message of God's love.

Dear Friend,
It's a heartbreaking reality. Millions of boys and girls around the globe live in difficult circumstances and are in desperate need of hope. Whether they are slum dwellers in Calcutta or orphans in Johannesburg, children long to know that they are loved.

Operation Christmas Child is one way you can make a difference in a young person's life. Since 1993, this Samaritan's Purse project has shared the Good News of God's love with hurting children through the simplest of gifts-shoe boxes! Filled with school supplies, toys, and personal items that are packed by caring people, these boxes help introduce children o Jesus Christ. Local believers follow up with evangelistic programs, and many precious boys and girls later receive Jesus as their Savior.

We invite your family, church, or group to take part in this unique missions project. As you pack a shoe box for a child, please pray for the boy or girl who will receive it. Spread the word so others will get involved too. You will be amazed to see how God can use a small gift-your gift-to touch a child's heart!

Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan's Purse

HOW TO PACK A SHOE BOX GIFT

1. SHOE BOX- 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.

-Pray for the child who will receive your special gift.

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. Use the appropriate boy/girl label. Download label from http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ or pick one up at the church.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS- Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION- Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can use a donation envelope or you can give online through our EZ give method. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

-It's easy and convenient to give online. Go to www.samaritanspurse.org, and look for our EZ Give button.

5. DROP OFF- Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at Fairfield UMC by Sunday, November 11, 2007.

GIFT IDEAS:
School Supplies- pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
Toys- small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yo's, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc.
Hygiene Items- toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar 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.