October 2011 Widow's Challenge: Pack an OCC Shoe Box!

I'm only about 3 weeks late on this month's Widow's Challenge... better late than never, right? For the October Widow's Challenge, I simply encourage you to pack a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. Though hard-to-believe, it's almost that time of year again to fill and drop off a shoe box! National Collection Week is November 14-21 (find a drop off location near you). Also, there are many acceptable items that you may already have in your pantry or in your stock pile that could be added to your shoe box. Handmade toys, hats, blankets, and other items work, too, if you are crafty and creative! You can also follow your box and see which country it ends up in by sending in your donation online.

Over 8 million shoe boxes were delivered to needy children all over the world, including some in the U.S., last year alone. The impact of a simple gift, with each shoe box containing the Gospel message and discipleship opportunities, is unfathomable. Operation Christmas Child is one ministry of Samaritan's Purse, an incredibly well run and God-grounded organization.

If you're filling an OCC shoe box this year, I would love to hear about your experience! Do you know of anyone who, as a child, received a shoe box? What was the shoe box's impact on his/her life?

What are some of your favorite items to put in a shoe box? Any tips for filling one and getting the most items in? Do you wrap your box?

For more information on how to pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, see the Samaritan's Purse OCC site.

New to the Widow's Challenge? Find out what it is about and how to start your first challenge!