The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) gives a clear picture of God’s desire for us to help those in desperate need wherever we find them. After describing how the Samaritan rescued a hurting man whom others had passed by, Jesus told His hearers, “Go and do likewise.” For over 40 years, Samaritan’s Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ’s command by going to the aid of the world’s poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Mendocino Baptist Church and Grace Community Church are participating in this outreach mission by holding annual collections of gifts for the children in our area. Pictured are images of the ladies who have been meeting weekly to create clothing items to include with the “Shoe Box” gifts. If you are interested in helping with sewing or monetary support, please contact the church by completing the form following the pictures. Thank you for considering your ministry support.

Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse headed by Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s son, is an evangelic outreach to children in over 130 countries.  Numerous churches and loving people gather items to fill each shoebox with hygienic items, school supplies and toys.

At present most needed items for MBC’s shoeboxes are:  toothbrushes, washcloths and school supplies:  notebooks, pencils, pens, pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, markers and crayons.

Other items dolls, cars, trucks, jump-ropes, hair accessories—hair clips, combs, brushes and T-shirts.  For older boys: tools such as screwdrivers, screws, flashlights and batteries, solar calculators and the most favorite: soccer ball and pump.

Last year MBC packed 33 boxes!  This year our goal is 50 or more!!  The cost for shipping one box is $9.  The cost to ship 50 boxes is $450 and we already received a donation that covers 2/3 of the cost!!  So a monetary donation can be put toward shipping or Linda and Elvi would be glad to do your shopping for you.  The Dollar Tree has many of these items.

There are MANY different items that can be packed into a shoebox.  See 101 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ideas and get creative.

Please come to the packing party and help pack the boxes—many hands make light work.

PACKING PARTY:  October 28, Sunday, at Mendocino Baptist Church after the service.

See the attached PDF file to view some gift ideas.

The 2018 distribution of shoeboxes from our church, MBC, went to the Philippines. The total number of boxes sent from the coast was 435.  Of those our church sent 68 which was more than double our 2017 contribution.  What a wonderful way to bless children around the world!

Short but sweet

Linda