It's that time of year! Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international relief organization. Their mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. These simple gifts are shipped outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.   Shoeboxes will be collected on November 14. This would be a great activity to do with your own children, as they learn the importance of giving to others in need! Boxes are available in the Gathering Area while supplies last, but any shoebox-sized box will do, even a reusable plastic one! Remember: include a "wow" gift (see links for ideas), include a $9 donation to Samaritan's Purse, and don't include food, candy, liquids, or war-related toys (toy guns, soldiers, etc).