Operation Christmas Child Reminder

MoneySavingMom had a great post today about how one woman is using many of the free products she gets through couponing to fill shoeboxes at Christmas time. I do the same thing and hope you will keep this ministry in mind during this time of year when crayons, school supplies, and flip-flops are on sale so you can stock up and be prepared when November rolls around. If you aren't familiar with Operation Christmas Child it is a ministry run by Billy Graham's son, Franklin, that takes shoeboxes to kids all over the world who don't get Christmas gifts. I think they did over 7 million last year! Many churches do shoebox drives to encourage each family in their congregation to fill a box. For more info on how to participate, go here.

If you regularly participate, be scouting for things to put in your boxes NOW. I have found brand-new-in-the-package matchbox cars at yard sales for a quarter which are ideal gifts for these boxes. Not only will it save you money to buy most of it in advance but it will save you the stress of shopping during the busy holiday season. If you have young children, this is a really fun service project for them to be involved with as they help you shop for things and pack up the boxes for kids their own ages who have nothing.