The Season of Giving Starts Early With Operation Christmas Child

The Spirit of Giving: Why It's Never Too Early for Christmas

I know that for some people, it seems way too early to even start thinking about the Christmas season, but if you're trying to gather gifts for needy children around the globe, there's no better time than now.

That is what Operation Christmas Child is all about. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease, and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12.8 million children in 2026 with the hope of Jesus.

Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 16 – 23. Here in Sioux Falls, The First Evangelical Free Church will be the drop-off spot. But you can find additional drop-off sites in Madison and Freeman, South Dakota, as well as sites in Minnesota and Iowa by using this location finder.

Transforming Lives Through Shoeboxes: A Global Impact

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 175 countries and territories.

Shoebox packing is fun for individuals, families, and groups! Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these shoeboxes to children in need.

For more information on how you can get involved in this worthwhile holiday project, just go to Operation Christmas Child.

Tips For Keeping Your Jack-O-Lanterns Longer

We always thought it was sad when they began to mold and mummify, but there really weren't any tips then about how to preserve them for a longer time. Now there are

Gallery Credit: Patty Dee

My Top 5 Favorite South Dakota Made Foods

As I was slicing a piece of cheese off my block of Dimock Dairy Colby cheese and boiling a ring of Bluebird Locker German sausage on the stove, I started thinking, "What foods is South Dakota known for?'

Then I realized the state is known for some of my favorite foods, are they're actually made right here in South Dakota!

So, I decided to search my cupboards and refrigerator looking for other South Dakota-made foods and came up with my Top 5.

Source: Christmas Is Still Weeks Away, But These Shoeboxes Can’t Wait

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