Operation Christmas Child

As children get caught up in the commercial winter holiday gift giving and receiving rush, remembering those who truly have nothing provides a basis for lifelong charitable behavior. Operation Christmas Child is a perfect project for children. Donors are provided a special shoe box sized container to fill with small gifts for a boy or girl of a specific age group (or you can pack your own shoe box from home). After dropping off at a collection site, parents and children can follow their gift online, if they choose to make their nominal $7.00 shipping donation online.

Children can choose a child of their age and sex for whom to select gifts. This way, the child can identify with the recipient. This process also provides the chance to explain to children that although they may be rich with toys, not all children are so lucky. This type of discussion raises not only awareness, but empathy and compassion. These lessons are as valuable in development as learning to read and write. To further a child's understanding of the service they are providing, watching a video on the project can help kids understand what poverty looks like and what joy they can provide in the midst of suffering.

Adding Operation Christmas Child to year round giving opportunities, is a nice way to start a family tradition of giving that children can really grasp, because the giving is tangible. Packing a box with toys and watching it arrive in an impoverished region of the world, can help develop a sense of community and responsibility.

Drop off locations in the Albany area are easy to locate online at the Operation Christmas Child website. November 16-23 is National Collection Week. So, pack a shoe box with your family and get involved in a tradition of giving that will inspire the whole family. For more information and answers to questions about the project visit the FAQ page of the Operation Christmas Child website. There are many additional ways to help the cause of providing gifts to needy children. Volunteering time year round or at box collection times can model the generosity that kids need to see in order to become caring citizens of the world.