Christmas in July Toy Drive

We are actively seeking people to assist us with collecting toys and gifts from their church, friends, and community for our annual Christmas in July Toy Drive.

This year we want to provide toys for 96 girls and 35 boys. We need coordinators to organize a "mini" toy drive, so that we can share a joyful occasion in memory of Christ’s birth and more importantly His resurrection.

This position requires about 15 hours of commitment. You’ll need to be willing to talk to your pastor and other church leaders and you must be willing to spend a little time.

Your church may not be able to provide all the boxes. That’s ok we’ll let you bite off what ever you can chew. The children not taken by your church can be taken by another.

Outcomes: besides helping the children this ministry activity will build awareness of the Good Shepherd Children’s Home in the body of Christ.

How to organize the drive.

1. We’ll provide you a Microsoft Word document that you print out from your PC.

2. Each page of the document will contains the life story, picture of a child, and an age/gender appropriate suggestion list.

3. Get some of your friends to help collect empty shoe boxes. Also check stores like Payless, Footlocker, Shoe Dept., etc.

4. Have your pastor or other minister in your church introduce the program for two consecutive weeks.

5. Arrange for an announcement to appear in your bulletin for two consecutive weeks.

6. Put a biography sheet on each shoe box.

7. Set up a table in the church foyer or other appropriate place. Take the name/phone # of each person who commits. Work the table handing out boxes for two consecutive Sundays.

8. Collect the boxes at the table on the third week.

9. Have them fill the box with age appropriate gifts:

· Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, plastic kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc.

· School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, coloring books, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, etc.

· Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb, washcloth, etc.

· Other: hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries, ball caps, socks, T-shirts, toy jewelry sets, hair clips, watches, small picture books, etc..

Do NOT include the following items:

· Used items

· War-related items (toy guns, toy soldiers, knives, etc.)

· Perishable items (chocolate, canned foods, crackers, etc.)

· Liquids (shampoo, lotion, bubbles, etc.)

· Medicines (vitamins, cough drops, ointment, etc.)

· Breakable items (mirrors, china dolls, etc.)

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 who receives your box may write you back.)

Sample Church Pulpit Announcement

“This year, our church is providing you with the unique opportunity to share Christ with a needy child using a simple shoe box. Your shoe box will reach a child at the children’s home in Guatemala, The Good Shepherd, where they provide a Christian home for impoverished, neglected, and abused girls and boys.”

“We are taking part in Christmas in July, asking that you take one of the boxes with a biography sheets from brother/sister ______. It tells all about one of the children there in Guatemala. Then fill it with small toys, school supplies, and other little gifts.”

“This Christmas season, one of those children will receive your shoe box, along with the Christian love and message they are already receiving at “The Good Shepherd”. What an opportunity to demonstrate our love for them!”

“Again for more details, or to pick up a bio sheet please see brother/sister ________ at the Christmas in July table located in the foyer today after the service. I hope you will be a part of this exciting opportunity to share God's love with a hurting child.”

Sample Bulletin Announcements

1. This Christmas, you can share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with a needy child at the Good Shepherd Children’s Home in Guatemala. Christmas in July is an easy missions project that every family can participate in by bringing a gift-filled shoe box to church in the next three weeks. Complete details are available at the Christmas in July table located _______.

2. Christmas! But it’s only July. This year get a head start by sharing the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ, with the world. You can share His love with needy children in Guatemala by taking part in Christmas in July. Complete details are available at the Christmas in July table located _______. Or by contacting brother/sister ______. Help spread His love and peace to a world in need by being part of this special Christmas project.

3. Don't forget to bring your shoe box gift to church on or before, [Shoe Box Dedication Service date]. What a perfect gift to give in honor of Jesus' birthday!

Shoe Box Dedication Sunday

Another way to encourage your congregation is to pray for the children and the home by holding a special Shoe Box Dedication Service.