Operation Christmas Child

Would your family like a practical way to show and share God’s love? Operation Christmas Child, a project run by Samaritan’s Purse, invites people to fill a shoe box with toys, clothing, stationery, etc. Your shoe box will go to a child who would not normally receive a gift. This year, your gift will go to Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa or PNG.

The Gospel is shared with those receiving the gifts and with their village.  It seems that the gifts bring an openness to accept the Gospel. The children are invited to a 12-week evangelistic/discipleship programme, which has proven to be just the beginning in bringing a village to Jesus!

Some information you may want to know:

-participation is optional

-for a shoe box of gifts, a $9 donation (for project costs and shipping) needs to be included

-your child can bring a gift or a donation to contribute to a class box if you would prefer getting involved in that way. Gifts should be sent to school by 20 October.

-filled boxes (or unused boxes or pamphlets) can be dropped off in the school office by 22 October. 

-you can see Mrs. Stone or Mrs. Johnson if you have any questions or if you would like to borrow a DVD on Operation Christmas Child.

Instructions for Contributing to an Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box

If you are contributing a donation for project costs and shipping, you can either place some money or a cheque in a labelled envelope.  If sending a cheque, it should be made out to Samaritan’s Purse Australasia-Operation Christmas Child.  Unfortunately, donations are not tax deductible in New Zealand.

If you are contributing a gift for a class box, please choose to send something from one (or more) of the general categories that have been ticked below.  Also, please read the ‘not to pack’ section:

• SOMETHING TO LOVE
  Teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.
• SOMETHING FOR SCHOOL
  Exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, sharpener,
  eraser, chalk, etc.
• SOMETHING TO WEAR
  T-shirt, shorts, skirt, cap, beanie, scarf, sandals, etc.
• SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH
  Tennis ball, cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument, yo-yo,
  slinky, finger puppets, wind up torch, etc. (No battery operated items)
• SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE
  Soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips,
  scrunchies, etc.(No toothpaste)
• SOMETHING SPECIAL
  Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, note
  or photo of yourself.

What not to pack:

• ITEMS THAT LEAK OR MELT
  Including toothpaste, shampoo, bubbles, plasticine/playdough, batteries.
• FOOD OR LOLLIES
  Of any kind (due to shipping regulations) including medicines and vitamins.
• USED OR DAMAGED ITEMS
  Including clothing and toys.
• BREAKABLE ITEMS
  Such as glass, porcelain, mirrors.
• ITEMS THAT CAN SCARE OR HARM A CHILD
  Examples are knives, war-related toys and toy guns.
• GAMBLING-RELATED ITEMS
  For example, play money and playing cards.
• ANYTHING OF A RELIGIOUS, RACIAL OR POLITICAL NATURE

Please remove tags and packaging from gifts before sending to school.

Please send item(s) for a girl/a boy aged 2-4yrs/5-9yrs/10-14yrs.