Shoebox Christmas Gifts

What a wonderful project! My family and I contributed to the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes again this year. Over the span of four months we shopped for just the right items to include in boxes for boys, aged 10-14 years. (This age group is in demand because most want to buy for the little girls.) By shopping when items such as crayons, pencils, and glue were the least expensive, we were able to fill to overflowing each shoebox for a fraction of the cost for one at the regular price. Thus, we were able to fill more boxes. Thank you family for your willingness to participate in the shopping and providing the funds. Three of us at school, who exchange gifts each Christmas, have decided to do it in a different way this year. We will pool our money and buy items from either Samaritan's Purse or IDES or both. We haven't decided what to purchase. Some suggestions: a milking goat for a family, a flock of chickens to provide income for a family, a bag of corn to feed a family of six for one month, school uniform and supplies, and traveling medical clinics. Many more are listed on the web sites for both organizations. Why not check out the sites and see how you can make a difference in the lives of people who are in desperate need?