Operation Christmas Child

 The church where we currently attend does not participate in Operation Christmas Child. Last year I did the Build-a-Box online. It wasn't very satisfying. This year I decided to at least help fill boxes with other Grace Village residents. They had already collected items through the year. We gathered in the chapel Monday afternoon.

We folded and assembled 150 boxes. Then we went down the tables (those on one side of the room designated boys, the other side girls) putting in the accumulated items. For me it was interesting to see the type of things they had collected as in the past I had filled a box for the oldest age bracket of girls. Their chosen bracket was younger children.

The "wow" toy was a Beanie Baby; other items included a coloring book, crayons, washcloth, soap, toothbrush, pencil sharpener, tablet of paper or index cards, pens and pencils, a small doll, socks, hair accessories (brush, comb, headband, clip), and from a miscellaneous box things like harmonicas, yo-yos, smaller stuffed animals, calculators. There were some items left over which were packed up to use next year. This is an annual endeavor by the residents.

Grace Village does not track the boxes, but we know God will use our efforts where He sees best.

Hope you have found a way to be a part of Operation Christmas Child or some other charitable efforts this holiday season.