When my kids were little, I learned about Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and I loved how this was a tangible way for my kids to help share with other children at Christmas time. These shoeboxes not only end up being a small gift for a child at Christmas, it is a way to share the gospel with these children, so they may learn that Jesus loves them.

The Samaritan's Purse website has some great tips on suggested items to pack in a shoebox. I want to share with you what we included in our boxes this year.

For the little girl's box we included:

• toothbrush and toothpaste
• wash cloths and soap
• bangle bracelets and plastic cups I found on clearance after Easter
• rubber bands
• hard candy
• crayons
• Play-doh
• little doll
• Bible theme game tablet
• memo pads

For the boy box, we included a lot of the same items, but we made sure to include:

• hot wheels
• bouncy balls
• pencils

Samaritan's Purse makes it easy to follow your box by allowing you to pay for the shipping for the box online. Once you pay your shipping online, you are prompted to print out your labels for your box. Just attach these labels and you will be notified by e-mail to let you know what country your box or boxes are heading to.

Collection of Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes occur every November. Through the year, you and your family can be collecting items to put in your shoeboxes and praying for the children who will eventually receive your gift for Christmas.