Westlake church launches Operation Christmas Child

"Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God." These words by Bob Pierce, who in 1970 was president of Youth for Christ, were written after visiting children suffering in Korea. His mission for this organization was "to meet emergency needs in crisis areas through existing evangelical mission agencies and national churches." Since 1993 the leadership of Samaritan's Purse (Franklin Graham) have delivered more than 124 million gift-filled shoeboxes. There are 500,000 volunteers worldwide.

Today, some 46 years later, Operation Christmas Child continues to make a difference in the lives of children throughout the world. This year six unreached groups of people will be the recipients of shoeboxes filled with toys and other items for the first time along with shoeboxes being delivered to over 100 countries. There are so many millions of children in our world who have never received a gift of any kind, much less a shoebox filled with gifts.

Our CrossPointe Community in Westlake has set a goal of filling 200 boxes and collecting $1,400 for the cost of jetfuel to send the boxes around the world. Would you like to get involved in blessing the lives of little ones from age 2 to age 14? Consider purchasing toys and other items to donate for the shoeboxes.

What items can you buy? Think about “wow” items ... delight a kid! Start with a medium to large item that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box. Ideas include: soccer ball with pump, stuffed animal, toy (puppets, trucks, etc.), doll (baby, Barbie, etc.), musical instrument, outfit, shoes. Toys can include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries). Other items that would be welcome in the shoeboxes:

• School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books.
• Hygiene items (non-liquid): toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths. 
• Accessories: T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries).
• Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets and friendship bracelets. 

Items may be dropped off at 1800 Columbia Road on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The collection will end on Wednesday, Nov. 2.