Send Good News & Great Joy
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 mission project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit parishioners are invited to help in one of three ways:
1. Make donations of shoe boxes and/or the suggested items below.
2. Make a monetary donation to help defray the cost of shipping. (See below.)
3. Help pack boxes on Saturday, November 11 at Holy Spirit. There will be two packing shifts: 9:30-10:15 AM and 10:15-11:00 AM. Youth and families are invited to sign up to pack. If interested, please sign up on the online form, the youth ministry bulletin board or contact Mary N at  youthministry@holyspiritrochester.org.
To donate: Please put your donations in the box located in the narthex any time before November 9. Thanks for your help!
Boxes will be packed with boys or girls of specific ages in mind. These boxes really make a difference in the lives of the children who receive them.
 
ITEMS NEEDED:
· Shoe boxes
· Wrapping Paper
· Monetary donations for Shipping: each box costs $9 to ship. Any donations would be gratefully accepted. Please make checks payable to Holy Spirit Church with Operation Christmas Child in the memo field.
· Gift Ideas for things to donate:
Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
Non-Liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
Accessories: t-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights
A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.
Do Not Include: Candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans.
 
This is a really fun and satisfying family activity! Please join us on Saturday, November 11 at Holy Spirit! Don’t forget to sign up for a 45 minute shift!