8625 196th ST SW, EDMONDS, WA 98026
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
AT EDMONDS ADVENTIST CHURCH
Last year we packed 147 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
This year we are aiming for 150!
Here's how you can participate!
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!
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
Hygeine 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 Adventurer Club was created to give children
an opportunity to belong to an organized peer group.
Children are invited to participate in various activities
which will improve their social skills. The Adventurer
Club involves children in grades 1-4 and their parents.
Parental involvement provides opportunities for parents
to participate in the learning experience.
One of the Adventurer Club objectives is to provide a
meaningful and exciting experience as the children look
forward with anticipation to some day being Pathfinders.