Recently, Samaritan’s Purse delivered shoeboxes to children in Ethiopia whose families work at the Koshe dumpsite in Addis Ababa to survive. This dumpsite is characterized by mountains of trash, and many families residing nearby salvage items daily to provide for their children. Oftentimes, the toys these precious children cherish came from this very trash heap.
The delivered shoeboxes were filled with fun and exciting items. For many children, it was the first gift they’d ever received, and the joy of the new toys resonated deeply with their parents as well. In numerous places like Addis Ababa, these shoeboxes serve as a medium to introduce the Gospel message. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love tangibly to children in need worldwide and, in partnership with local churches globally, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations.
Although the national collection week for shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child is from November 17 to 24, children worldwide receive their boxes throughout the year, and churches continuously pack boxes year-round. New Hope has already started planning for this season’s packing and collection. We invite you to pray with us that our church-wide goal of 300 physical boxes and 200 online boxes will be met. If you are interested in learning more or serving in New Hope’s Operation Christmas Child activities this year, email our Community Outreach Director Rachel Frey at rachel@newhopefortmyers.org.
