Kunes Car Convos: The Magic of Operation Christmas Child

In this Kune Car Convo...

03:26 - How did Sarah get started with Operation Christmas Child?

09:00 - Story time!

10:13 - Whoah! That was a close one...

11:47 - Learn which items you can and can't pack in the box

12:04 - Define "cartonize"

12:45 - What's in the box?

17:35 - More ideas to make your box extra special...

We've got a special episode of Kunes Car Convos for you today. Picture this: cruising around town in a stunning Santa Red 2023 Chevy Silverado Waldoch Edition. Our very own Jen Myers, Director of Marketing, has an enlightening chat with Sarah Burris, a dedicated volunteer from Samaritan's Purse, about the heartwarming initiative, Operation Christmas Child.

Celebrating its 30th year, Operation Christmas Child has distributed over 2 million shoeboxes, filled with joy, to children in over 120 countries around the world. For many of these kids, this might be the only gift they ever receive. And here's a fact to ponder: there are over 300 million children in India alone! So, every shoebox truly counts.

It's simple! Grab a shoebox and fill it with school supplies, hygiene items, toys, and perhaps a standout gift like a soccer ball. These boxes bring immense joy to children in impoverished areas, war zones, and orphanages. For many American kids, a bar of soap or a washcloth is a given. But for some children, these basics are luxuries. Imagine kids sharing a single toothbrush or never owning a washcloth!

Sarah has been packing boxes for 15 years! Sarah's passion started as a family project and soon involved her entire church. Her church initially packed 280 boxes, and that number grew exponentially over the years!

Lakeland Church, where Jen worships, also contributes to the cause. They distribute 1,000 boxes to the congregation, which are then filled and sent to Delavan Christian School, a designated drop-off location.

Need to drop off your box too? To find a drop-off location near you, click here.

Operation Christmas Child categorizes gifts by age groups: 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14 years.

Sarah emphasizes the importance of the oldest group, as it's often our last chance to reach out to them with love and the gospel.

Curious about the difference a shoebox can make?

Listen to adults share how receiving a shoebox as a child changed their lives, click here.

After you've packed your shoebox, whether it’s the pre-wrapped one from SamaritansPurse.org or you used your own, then you give them to a designated drop-off location.

Wondering how they're delivered to the kids from there? 

Before sending them on their way, volunteers at the drop-off locations will take them to an inspection facility. We want to make sure that nothing will stop these boxes from reaching their destination, so all of the items need to be accepted when they arrive at customs for that country.

After they've passed customs, these boxes will journey far and wide, sometimes by car, sometimes by camel, and even by people carrying them on their heads, until they finally reach their destination.

• Add notes inside the boxes!
• Decorate the lid or include your address. You might receive a heartwarming letter in return!
• You should also consider adding clothes suitable for any age. You never know if the kid receiving the box has a baby brother or sister in need of clothes.
• And remember, unwrap items before adding them to the box.

Let's come together and make a difference this festive season. 

Order or find a shoebox before October 23rd and be a part of this beautiful journey of giving. 

Remember, the biggest gift you can include in the box is your prayer.