It's a Christmas tradition of Samaritan's Purse and the Whitestone congregation: Operation Christmas Child, which sends gift boxes to children around the world.
On Sunday, November 11, the folks at Whitestone gathered all their goodies and began packing.
So how do you pack a "shoe box?" You put in some toys--maybe some cars and trucks, or dolls and stuffed animals, or yo-yo's and harmonicas; add some school supplies--maybe some tablets; and pens, pencils and erasers; some crayons or markers; and a coloring book or two. Add some hygiene items like combs and brushes, toothpaste and tooth brushes, and a washcloth. Then, for good measure, pack some hard candy, and a T-shirt or cap or pair of socks, and maybe a flashlight, or a watch. You can even add a note to the child who will receive your box, and a picture of yourself to put a human face on it.
Oh yes, and don't forget the love. Lots of love. The Whitestone folks packed up 32 boxes this year. That's a lot of love.
Photos by Sally Hylton
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