It's hard to believe I know, but did you realize that in reality that Christmas is just around the corner?   Wow - this year really flew by, don't ya think?

 

Just wondering if anyone else here has thought about starting to prepare for the Christmas season yet as I have [not that I have started already but I've been thinking about it!  *lol*]

 

 

Below are a couple of websites you might like to check out if you'd like to get a jump on the Christmas season.

 

Organized Christmas

 

Holiday Grand-Plan

 

Also, please take a look at the Samaritan's Purse website and think about putting together a shoe-box for some little boy or girl who otherwise would get nothing.

 

This program is called "Operation Christmas Child" which sends shoe-boxes to destitute children around the world.

 

 

It is a simple way to let these children know that they are not forgotten and also it focuses on the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ, God's greatest gift.

 

Along with the shoe box gifts, millions of children also receive Gospel booklets in their own language. 

 

In 2005, over 7.6 million shoe boxes were collected world wide and were distributed to children in 95 countries. 

 

These shoe boxes can be filled with just the simplest things [which many of us take for granted every day!] 

 

 

A few of the things that can be put into the boxes are:

 

• Small cars
• Dolls
• Stuffed animals
• Yo Yo's
• Jumpropes

 

• School Supplies [pens, pencils, crayons, paper]
• Small picture books
• Coloring books

 

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Mild soap
• Comb
• Washcloth

 

• Hard candy [please double bag all candy]
• Gum
• T-shirts
• Socks
• Hair clips
• Jewelry

 

Things not to include:

 

• Used or broken items
• Chocolate [it would melt before it got there]
• Foods [other than hard candy]
• Liquids or lotions

 

• Medication or vitamins
• Breakable items
• Guns [no war related items]
• Knives or military figures

 

 

It is also asked that you give a $7.00 donation towards the cost of shipping [which, as you can imagine is extremely high with all of the boxes having to be shipped.]

 

There are drop-off locations across the US [and possible other countries as well, but you'll have to check on this about countries other than the US.]  

 

To find a drop-off point, you can check the Samaritan's Purse website and for any farther details as well. 

 

  Love,