OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
AT EDMONDS ADVENTIST CHURCH

Our shoebox goal this year is 100 shoeboxes!

Shoebox Packing Party November 20!

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Progress Toward Our Shoebox Goal!

82 %

For more information about Operation Christmas Child, and for ministry coronavirus updates, visit the official OCC webpage at https://samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/. For information about how we are adapting our ministry to the coronavirus, email us at info@edmondsadventist.org.

Share the Gospel in a special way this Christmas season!

Here's how you can participate!

 

Pick up a shoebox to fill yourself or drop off items for us to pack into shoeboxes in November.  The church is open Monday-Thursday from 10am-3pm and you are also welcome to pick up and drop off shoeboxes every Saturday anytime between 9am and 1pm.

 

Donate online through AdventistGiving.org to help cover the $9 per box donation for boxes packed by our church volunteers. When we use donated items to fill shoeboxes, your donation is used to purchase a label for that box and Samaritan's Purse uses that $9 donation to cover shipping and customs costs.

 

Use "Follow Your Box" labels to track where your shoeboxes go! You can purchase them from the Samaritan's Purse website here.

 

Go online to our EAC Shoebox Goal Page and donate $25 to have volunteers at a OCC processing center pack a shoebox for you, while still having it count toward our church';s goal of 100 shoeboxes in 2021.

Build a Shoebox Online

WHAT TO PACK

A "Wow" Item

One large awesome gift that is the coolest thing a child is going to pull out of your shoebox. Suggestions include dolls, a soccer ball and pumb, an outfit of clothing to wear, a stuffed animal, a small musical instrument, a backpack, and other high-quality items that can fit in an average-size shoebox.

Personal Care Items

Hygiene items are always appreciated; just remember that liquids, lotions, and aerosols are not allowed.  Here are some ideas of items you can include: comb, toothbrush (no toothpaste), washcloth,  bar soap, nail clippers, adhesive bandages, flashlight, stick deoderant, compact mirror, reusable water bottle, and more!

School Supplies

What might you pack to help a child prepare for school? Beyond just pencils, crayons,  markers,  rulers, and notebooks, you might include a manually operated pencil sharpener, a protractor or mathematical compas, a solar-powered calculator, or glue sticks (no liquid glue). Consider packing some of these items into small pencil cases or stylish bags.

Clothing & Accessories

While whole outfits may be challenging since there is no guarantee that your clothing is going to be the right size, there are plenty of clothing and accessory options for girls and boys that you can include. Some ideas include loose-fitting dresses, shoes and socks, flip flops, hats, scarves, gloves, tote bags, sunglasses, hair bows and clips, wrist watches, and kits for them to make their own jewelry, accessories, or friendship bracelets.

Crafts and Activities

This is a very broad category that includes everything from puzzles to binoculars. Consider including a sewing kit with a few yards of fabric and some ribbon. Maybe add a compass or some gardening tools. Playing cards, jacks, and other small games can bring joy to older children while younger children might enjoy coloring books, stickers, or playdough. 

Toys

While dolls and stuffed animals seem like obvious toys to include, their are plenty of less space-consuming toy options too. Here are some ideas for small toys you can pack: a slinky, a small etch-a-sketch, a foam ball, finger puppets, plastic animals, toy cars,  a yo-yo, a small kite, a small frisbee, a kalidescope, or a hacky-sack!

WHAT NOT TO PACK

Do not include: candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans. If you aren't sure whether an item should be packed in a shoebox, refer to the Samaritan's Purse guidelines here. 

RELATED MINISTRIES

AT EDMONDS ADVENTIST CHURCH

EDMONDS EVERGREEN PATHFINDERS

The Edmonds Evergreen Pathfinder Club is open to children in grades 5 through 10. Pathfinders learn valuable life skills including first aid, camping skills, and cooking. Pathfinders also learn about various occupations and how to create many kinds of arts and crafts. Most importantly, Pathfinders are encouraged to develop a life-changing relationship with God.

CHILDRENS' MINISTRY

There are Sabbath School classes available for children of all ages. We believe that children are never too young to hear and learn about God's love. We believe strongly in God's command to let all the children come to him and as such have a variety of other ministry opportuntities for kids through out the month and year.

PINECONES ADVENTURERS

The Pinecones Adventurer Club is open to children in preschool through fourth grade. Adventurers learn how to relate to God, themselves, their family, and the world through creative and interactive lessons. Parents are encouraged to participate alongside their children, making Adventurers a valuable opportunity for family bonding. Whether it's making crafts, studying the Bible, or taking a field trip to the zoo, there's never a dull moment with Adventurers!