INVITATION

Over the past several years the people of Independent Presbyterian Church have joined with Samaritan’s Purse to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with children through Operation Christmas Child. This year, we invite you and your family to prayerfully consider participating by packing a box, including a note, and praying for children in countries all around the world.

By packing and sending a shoebox, we share far more than little toys, necessity items, and school supplies…in some small way we provide hope in the midst of suffering by introducing children to Jesus Christ. With each shoebox workers deliver a locally-translated gospel message to children desperate for the goodness of God in Christ.

This year, teach your children how to love and pray for others in far corners of the world. Make it a moment for grace in your home. Make Christmas about missions. Why? Because we serve a gift-giving God; as Father sending the Son, and Son giving the blessed Holy Spirit (John 3:16; 2Cor 9:15; Eph 2:8).

HOW TO PACK A BOX

1 . Shoe Box

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Be sure to pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2 . Boy or Girl?

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label shown below. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3 . Fill with Gifts

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.

• Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
• School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
• Hygiene Items: toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
• Other: Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
• A Personal Note: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
• Please Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related toys such as guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items like snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

4 . Include $7 for Shipping

Before rubber-banding your box, be sure to include $7 for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. If donating by check, please make one combined donation payable to “Samaritans Purse” and note “OCC” on the memo line, and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. You can also pay online and use a new tracking feature at www.samaritanspurse.org/ezgive.

5 . Finishing

Don’t forget to complete the appropriate Shoebox Label and attach it to the box.  Box Labels are available around the IPC Campus or by easy online download.

Place a rubber band around each shoebox and lid and drop it off at the church at either of the times indicated below.

DROP OFF TIMES & LOCATION

Independent Presbyterian Church

Sunday Mornings, November 6th & 13th

Olmstead Hall

*Or make special arrangements by contacting