Kids Around the World Feel the Love with Bowling Green’s Operation Christmas Child

Here’s a heartwarming story straight from Bowling Green, Kentucky. The people in this city are making children smile across the globe through an initiative named “Operation Christmas Child.” Led by Samaritan’s Purse, this project collects shoebox gifts loaded with toys, school necessities, and personal care goodies. These boxes are then shipped off to children who need them the most, around the world.

“The whole idea is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way,” says Debbie Young, who has been spearheading the project in Bowling Green. She adds that for many children, it may be the first time they receive a gift in their life, making the gesture even more special.

This whole thing started back in the summer of ’93 when the president of Samaritan’s Purse got a call from someone asking him if they could fill shoeboxes with gifts for kids in Eastern Europe. Since then, the project has taken off big time, reaching children in over 170 countries and territories. Over 220 million shoebox gifts have been handed out so far, and they wish to reach another 12 million kids in 2024.

Packing Up Love, One Shoebox at a Time

Wondering how you can be part of this? Well, all you need is a shoebox, some thoughtful gifts, and a lot of love. Simply start with a standard-size shoebox, select the age and gender of the child you want to gift, and start filling it with fun and useful items.

Stuffed toys, an outfit, school tools, fun coloring books, and crayons — these are just a few suggestions. Debbie even suggests packing a small backpack, which is handy for children who may need to walk long distances to carry their items home.

However, remember, not all items are suitable for shoebox gifts. Avoid including candy, toothpaste, used or damaged items, war-related toys, seeds, chocolates or food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable things, or aerosols. Play it safe, and fill up the shoebox with items that will spread joy and happiness.

And yes, you can even follow your box to its destination! Just donate $10 per shoebox gift online, and you’ll receive a tracking label.

A Touching Experience

Debbie, in her endeavors, has also traveled overseas and witnessed the happiness on the faces of children receiving the boxes. A recent trip took her to Nairobi, Kenya. She says, “After they received their shoebox gift, they were so happy, with smiles on all their faces, they screamed and shouted, shouted with glee.”

Be a Part of This Worldwide Love Movement

There’s an open house and packing party on September 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the South Central Baptist Association Building located at 6448 Scottsville Road. It’s a great place to learn more about packing a box and you could even hear more about Debbie’s phenomenal experiences.

You can drop off your packed shoebox at Christ Church at 716 Cave Mill Road or First Baptist Church at 621 E 12th Street. And if you’re thinking of volunteering for Operation Christmas Child, just look out for the ‘Get Involved’ tab online.

Let’s spread some smiles and cherish the true spirit of Christmas via a simple shoebox gift. After all, giving surely is the best part of the holiday season.