Members of Bethel Church are encouraged to bring in wrapped or unwrapped shoebox gifts from August through early November annually. The Bethel Believers Sunday School class who spearheads this mission then collects, packs and ships the boxes out to a national distribution center coordinated through Samaritan’s Purse during the second week of November where the gifts are sent around the world to children in need.
All those in the body of Christ are encouraged to take part in this mission. Annually this is a full-church project where individuals, couples, schools, families and groups within the church take part in packing shoe boxes with simple school supplies, small toys and personal items that help introduce children in need to the love of God and Jesus Christ. For those who choose not to fill a box, there is still a part to be played by giving a monetary gift of $7 per box to cover the shipping overseas and related follow-up materials that is prepared in many different languages.
Gift Ideas for the shoe boxes: First, determine whether your gift box will be for a boy or a girl and then if the child’s age category is 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. School supplies such as pens, pencils, crayons, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books. Toys such as small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, yo-yos, harmonicas, kazoos. Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, mild soap bar, comb, washcloth. Sunglasses, hair clips, socks, hard candy lollipops (all candy must be double bagged). Do not include: Used items, food or out of date candy, lotions or liquids, breakable items, war-related items such as toy guns or military figures.
For more information please visit the Operation Christmas Child website:
