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. This would be a great activity to do with your children as they learn the importance of giving to others in need! Boxes are available in the Gathering Area hall while supplies last. But, any shoebox-sized box, even a reusable plastic one, will do! Remember: include a "wow" gift (see links for ideas), include a donation to Samaritan's Purse inside the box, and don't include food, candy, liquids, or war-related toys (toy guns, soldiers, etc). Return filled boxes to the Gathering Area hallway on November 17.