We’ve all seen the joy on a child’s face at Christmas when opening a present to see what’s inside. Picture the face of a child who has never before received a gift. There are children around the world who daily live with fear and desperation because of war, disease and poverty.

These precious little ones are the future generations, if indeed they survive to maturity.

Since 1933, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, has handed out more than 100 million shoe boxes filled with toys, candy, school supplies and personal items to children in over 130 countries around the world including the USA.

This is only made possible by people willing to step up and become involved.

It’s a simple thing to do, yet it has such a great impact on the life of a child. Take a regular size shoe box with label on top stating for a girl/boy and the age, 2-4; 5-9; 10-14.

Prayerfully fill the box, with items mentioned above, knowing you are reaching out in the name of Jesus to a hurting child with the gift of love. A book about Jesus will be put into each box, in the child’s own language.

If you have children, encourage them to participate, even enclosing a picture and small note. What a great way to teach children that Christmas is more about giving than getting and that they can make a difference in a child’s life.

Deliver boxes to Trinity Lutheran Church, 13770 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., between Nov. 18 and 25 – Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to noon; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 noon; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also on Nov. 18 from 5 to 6 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 7 to 8 p.m.