How to pack a shoe box

I am contemplating participating in Operation Christmas Child this year.

Now I know what you are thinking: Sheila, Operation Christmas Child is run by Samaritan’s Purse, a religious organization. Hello? Since when do you support that sort of thing?

Yeah, well, I committed before I knew god was involved.

That is what I get for having a friend in Kiwanis, a service organization whose mission is to serve children of the world. I should have realized there was a god connection when they made us pray before the meal when I attended a lunch meeting as a guest.

My friend is also the advisor for the Key Club at the high school, unofficially known as the Kiwi’s.

The Kiwi's are participating in Operation Christmas Child so my friend had a bunch of Christmas colored shoe boxes in her office. When I asked what it was all about, she explained you determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl and choose an age range. You then fill your box with gifts for that age range, with or without a personal note so the child can write you back. She added boys age 10-14 always get the short shrift because most people find small children and girls easier to buy for.

How fun! I can shop for a boy age 10-14: Hacky sac, ball cap, harmonica, socks, flashlight, etc. They even provide a list of gift ideas.

But then I read the rest of the flyer:

Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

Uh, okay, feeling a bit uncomfortable here but I can roll with that. Or maybe I should just pray and forget the whole ‘spending money on a complete stranger’ thing. You know, since praying is the most important part anyway.

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs.

Oh! I did not realize I had to buy a bunch of gifts AND give money. When I mentioned this to my friend, she had no idea either and the Kiwi’s have been participating in this project for years. No one reads directions any more.

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

Oh dear. Then I decided to read some of the Inspirational Stories on the website and discovered the true mission of Operation Christmas Child is to convert people to Christianity.

I am so naive. I actually thought it was to bring joy to underprivileged children around the world. Period.

I cannot bring myself to participate at this point. Call me uncaring. Call me a religious bigot. Just don’t call me a crusader disguising my oppression of the belief systems of others in a shiny box of baubles.

 

Technorati Tags: christmas,operation christmas child mission,samaritan's purse

Comments

[Sillycakes]

I feel exactly the same way. I wouldn't be able to participate either. :(

[JCW]

Your generous instinct is to be admired - your reluctance to contribute to an organization that attempts to recruit children to the Christian faith through gifts - even more so.

Three words for you: Toys For Tots.

This program operates in nearly every community and has no religious affiliation. Often, hunky firemen or policemen man barrels where you simply drop off a gift - look into it.

Worth it if for no other reason than to flirt with a hunky fireman.

[writtenwyrdd]

I'm with you. I won't donate to christian children's charities because of this blatant use of my money (which is intended for children's bellies, medical needs and clothing, etc.) is instead used to convert them to the "one true religion". I presume the thought is that, if they die, at least they'll enter the purported heaven of the "one true religion." Bleh.

[Jenn, akaJeSais]

I'm sure you could find another organization that gives to kids and doesn't shove religion down their throats.... a women's shelter?

[GetSheila]

As JCW pointed out, I need to find the Toys for Tots drop off / event this year.

There is a local women's shelter that I want to get involved with but it just emerged from a big scandal involving the executive director and got acquired by another organization so I need to find out where to donate, what they need, etc.

I have also been thinking about the local hospice. I just discovered there are 3 different hospice organizations in my town.

So many good works to do, so little time and money. ::sigh::

[Roxanne]

toys for tots
cops for kids
coats for kids

there are all kinds of things that you can feel good about participating in.

and even though your womens shelter is going through horrid times for sure, there is still a need.

Good luck in your venture..
this year I will be participating in angel tree (I think thats what its called)

You choose an angel that has a childs name and age on it, and donate a gift. These children are in need and its all verified by school and other officials.

I still hate that we are already thinking of Christmas! heheh I just feel its all so rushed.. but thats another topic!

Have a good day