Remake: Operation Community Christmas
I first discovered Operation Christmas Child 10 years ago – it quickly became one of my favorite holiday traditions. OCC is an annual program that collects shoeboxes filled with gifts and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way.
As my own family grew, so did the number of boxes I prepared each year. I chose boxes for the same age and gender of my children and set aside an evening to take each of them shopping for ‘their’ box. Each year we did this, they wished even more that they could see the looks on the faces of the children who received the items that they had so carefully chosen and mailed. And that’s when Operation Community Christmas was born.
Last year, in addition to our usual Operation Christmas Child boxes, we filled three more boxes and delivered them in person to local recipients. My second grader filled a box for the school nurse who was always kind to him when his worries gave him a ‘bellyache.’ His box contained fun bandages and new underpants – two things the nurse’s station always needed.
“The smile on your son’s face as he gave me the box is something I’ll never forget,” wrote the school nurse in her thank you card. And hopefully, thanks to our new twist on this old tradition, neither will he.
Ideas for Operation Christmas Community Boxes
Administrative Staff Box
The administrative staff at schools and medical offices are often the behind-the-scenes heroes that help things run smoothly. Brighten spirits with fun office supplies, inspirational desk signage, and heartfelt cards letting them know you appreciate all of the hard work they do.
Nursing Home Box
Suduko puzzles, large print paperbacks, drug store reading glasses, and sugar free candies are among some of the contents that would surely bring joy to a senior’s holiday. Even better, the in-person visit to deliver the box is a gift in itself for those missing their families or who don’t have many visitors.
Childcare Center Box
Put together a box of Christmas craft supplies for your local daycare center, Boys and Girls Club, or aftercare program. As a bonus, the children can use these supplies to create gifts for loved ones if it is otherwise difficult due to financial strain or being raised in a single parent household.
Animal Rescue Box
Don’t forget about those waiting for their fur-ever family at Christmas, which can be a can be a lonely time at the animal shelter. Canned pet food, treats, chew toys, leashes, and pet waste removal bags are items that would be appreciated by staff and rescue animals alike.
Cold Weather Shelter Box
Homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and any place that provides resources for those without a regular roof over their heads during the cold months is a great place to give to. Hand warmers, scarves, gloves, socks, and thermal wear are all items that can help those less fortunate feel warm and cared for.
Postal Worker Box
Our mail service providers are some the hardest working people during the busy holiday season. Flip the scrip this year by delivering a package to them, stuffed with healthy snacks, gift cards for coffee (postal workers can accept cash gifts up to $20), and a travel mug or tumbler.
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