Gratitude and Giving

by Annie Yorty

Have you noticed how gratitude and giving go hand in hand? When we’re thankful for God and His provision to us, we want to offer a gift back to Him.

A November Tradition of Gratitude and Giving

November seems to be one of those less memorable months of the year. The glorious crisp air and brilliant hues of October fade into gray. The claws of winter drag the curtain over outdoor fun. No-Shave November and NaNoWriMo bring excitement for some, but nothing too significant happens in this final month of fall. Sure, Thanksgiving comes at the end, but these days, it often merges into the Christmas season.

In my family, November ushers in a fun tradition of gratitude and giving. Every year, we look forward to sending Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes. We collect items here and there between January and October whenever we find good prices. At the beginning of November, we pick up shoeboxes and drag our OCC stash from the closet for a packing party.

Our boxes contain school supplies and toiletry items such as soap, washcloths, and toothbrushes. We always include a stuffed animal. Sometimes I crochet small gifts. After we decide if the box is for a boy or girl and determine an age range, we make sure to include what Samaritan’s Purse calls a “wow gift”—an extra-special item that will make the child feel the over-the-top love of God.

By the time we finish packing the boxes, they bulge, straining even the strongest rubber bands to the breaking point. Before we deliver the boxes to a local collection site, we thank God for providing for our needs and pray for the children who will receive the gifts.

A Special Opportunity

“Would you guys be willing to hand out Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes?”

The heavily accented question passed from the pastor through an interpreter to our mission team leader. Hearing the question, the group of Americans looked around and spotted a pile of shoeboxes wrapped in red and green Christmas paper.

“Absolutely!” Our heads bobbed in unison with our leader’s reply.

A few minutes later, solemn-faced orphans filed into the freezing auditorium for our evangelistic program. The bright stack of gifts stood in stark contrast to the drab room. A child spied the boxes, and excitement rippled through the room like a wave.

After singing and performing a skit, we divided the children into small groups and shared the good news of Jesus. Then we gave each child a gift box from Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. I couldn’t understand a word that was spoken, but the squeals of joy communicated all I needed to know.

Later, the orphanage director dismissed the kids to their rooms and invited our team to enjoy a cup of hot tea. As I moved to sit at a table, the director caught my arm. An impassioned explanation in Russian words poured out. At my confused look, she motioned for me and my eight-year-old son to follow her.

The matron’s heels clicked a rhythm on the hard floors as she led us through a maze of dim, narrow hallways and up uneven, Communist-era concrete stairs. Her foreign words went over my head as I worried about finding my way back to our group on time. At last, we arrived in a hallway with open doors.

Laughter and chatter greeted us. The director invited us into a communal bedroom to see the commotion. A gaggle of girls unpacked their presents and spread them out on the beds. Each box held unique gifts—specifically chosen, packed with love and prayer, and guided by the Holy Spirit to the dear ones who now beamed with joy.

The Generosity of God

And God will generously provide all you need. (2 Corinthians 9:8a NLT)

When we remember everything we have—family, friends, a home, transportation, food, education, and much more—comes directly from God’s hand, our hearts overflow with gratitude.

The remainder of verse eight in First Corinthians tells why God gives so generously. “Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (9:8b NLT)

What “leftover” has God given to you? Might it fill a simple shoebox?

Get Involved

Would you like to share the love of Jesus by making and sending a shoebox to a child? You can learn more at Samaritan’s Purse. Explore their website to discover the location of your nearest collection center and directions for packing your box. If God has gifted you with time, you can also volunteer to help at a regional collection center.

What if you’re stuck in the house and can’t find a shoebox or go shopping? Click the link to pack a box online. Easy peasy!

When you have completed your box, take it to your local collection point by November 25, 2024.

Results of Gratitude and Giving

You don’t need to travel to the other side of the world to hand out OCC shoeboxes to know the results of your generosity. God tells us in His Word.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. (2 Corinthians 9:11 NLT)

Jesus told us whenever we give to a person in need, we give to Him (Matthew 25:40). Will you thank God today and ask Him for opportunities to sow gratitude and generosity into the needs around you?

Join the conversation:

Do you have an Operation Christmas Child shoebox story? Please share it in the comments.

Copyright ©2024 Annie Yorty

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