Operation Christmas Child - 52 Weeks of Giving - Week 48

Since 2007 (with the exception of one year when Sophia had to have her appendix removed), the girls have been assembling boxes for Operation Children Child. This is a project that they enjoy doing, and look forward to selecting and packaging the items.

They take time to carefully package the items - including folding washcloths and placing soap in a plastic bag so it doesn't affect any other products.

After they finish packing their boxes, they write and draw pictures for the recipient - even though they do not know who will receive it or where the child lives.

Although there is a space at the end of the two-page form to include your name and address, they complete it but do not expect a thank you or letter in return. They are simply sending the gifts so children have some of the same things that they for granted.

When we were done packaging and labeling the boxes, we brought them to a collection site - about 17 miles away from home.

We filled out some paperwork and then added the boxes to the other ones waiting to be put into large shipping boxes.

Once the shoeboxes were packaged into large boxes, they were put onto a truck that brought them to the distribution center.

The girls liked seeing the truck at the collection site because they knew that their boxes for Operation Christmas Child would be on their way within an hour.

They are already planning on participating in next year's Operation Christmas Child  program.