The holiday season is upon us, in less than three weeks, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving, and shortly after, it’s presents time and Christmas. It baffles me how quickly this year has passed us by and now we are discussing the logistics of the upcoming holiday season.
Most of us know the holiday season is not only about family time, the delicious food, and the presents, but it’s also about giving back to those less fortunate. Since having my daughters, my husband and I have made a conscious decision to do a Christmas project or two as a family. And one of our annual projects is the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Are you familiar with OCC? If not, you should research the operation and its mission. It’s an incredible organization that puts a smile on hundreds of thousands of children around the world. When my cousin was a refugee in the Middle East, escaping the wrath of Saddam Hussein and living in a foreign country, she was a recipient of an OCC shoebox. Sometimes, we donate money, gifts, or even our time, without knowing the aftereffect. But in this instance, one simple shoebox sent from a giving family in America made a huge difference and brightened a little girls’ Christmas across the world.
Why am I telling you this? Because as you begin planning for your upcoming holiday season, I pray that a simple gesture of giving back is part of your plans. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant and it definitely does not have to cost much. You could fill a shoebox by shopping at the dollar store, or write a letter to the men and women serving our country, or serve at a soup kitchen. The opportunities are endless, the question is, are you willing to add one more thing to your already busy schedule and serve?
”Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” ~Deuteronomy 15:10
We do this every year, and it’s always a highlight!! Love bringing joy to a precious young person across the world!
Yes, giving to special out reaches is my favorite part of the season.
I taught my great grandaughters to save money in a little “buddy barrel ” and they count it out at Christmas time and we send it out to St. Lukes.hospital and others.
Ive sponsored children through World Vision for 20 yrs. But I have always wanted to send out a shoe box through OCC and will get on it early thanks to this post.
You are an inspiration, Ramina
God bless you. ,
Gloria Arguello