Friendly Competition in Oklahoma Multiplies the Impact of Operation Christmas Child Around the World

Find out why Ava and Sam love to pack shoeboxes!

Oklahoma youngsters Ava and Sam hold a friendly competition each year to see who can pack the most Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoeboxes. But, win or lose, their real goal is the same—to see kids all over the world come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Ava and Sam love to pack shoeboxes. The two Oklahoma children started a friendly competition a few years ago to see who could pack the most Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoeboxes. Usually Ava wins. But two years ago they tied. They each packed 126 boxes. Last year, they each planned to prepare 150 to 200 shoeboxes for children in need overseas.

Ava, who lives in Ada, creates unique dolls with floral wire and flowers and sells them to raise money to buy toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to fill her shoeboxes. Three hours away in Stilwell, Sam makes rock necklaces to finance his boxes.

“I think it’s important to put quality items in a shoebox,” Ava said. Sam agrees. To that end, they each shop year-round to find cool stuff on sale that will wow the recipients.

Ava loves to include sewing kits in her girl shoeboxes, while Sam makes sure to pack a T-shirt and a pair of socks in each of his. “The thing that [the kids] like the most is something they can put on immediately,” Sam said.

Ava and Sam are serious about their friendly rivalry, and they each really want to win. But, win or lose, their real goal is the same—to introduce kids all over the world to Jesus Christ and see them accept Him as their Lord and Savior. And that’s a win for everybody.

As a homeschool family, you can bless children around the world by prayerfully packing shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. National Collection Week is coming up, Nov. 16-23!

Click here to watch the story of Ava and Sam


Your Family Can Get Involved!!

Teach Them Diligently is excited to partner with Operation Christmas Child throughout the month of October to encourage all our families to pack at least one shoebox to send to a child who needs to hear about Jesus and experience the life change that comes when you meet Him. We would love to see your pictures and hear your stories as we come together for this cause. Please use #TTDShoeboxes to share your shoebox stories!

Click here for more information about how YOUR family can get involved.

Did you know that you can pack a shoebox online? Click HERE to pack and send a shoebox without having to leave your home.

Samaritans Purse seeks to share the Gospel around the world! You can click HERE to learn more and see what you can safely pack in a shoebox.


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