Hands and Feet Mission

A few weeks ago Morgan and I started talked about the mass commercialism of Christmas. It's pretty extreme ... I mean, come on, who really needs a giant inflatable Rudolph snow globe to adorn the lawn... people are literally starving and countless orphans lack the simplest necessities.

Not to be critical, but it's a little disheartening how egocentric our society can be.

Looking for a way to think outside ourselves, we started brainstorming a service project with our youth. In the past, we resisted doing service projects with our youth group during Christmas because so many people focus on "goodwill" during Christmas time, (We think it should be an all-the-time event). We focused on service activities during the past summer - the youth's response was awesome! In the face of the ever increasing materalistic Christmas, we have broken our unspoken rule and formed the "Hands and Feet Mission."

Here's my little soapbox speech... (I would seriously LOVE for you to support us!)

If you are looking for a way to reach others for Christ this season, I have a creative idea.

Our youth group, The Deep, has embarked upon an amazing adventure we call the Hands and Feet Mission.Beginning last week, we are on a mission to serve as many people as we can before Christmas. The youth are really excited. The best part about this project is that all of our service ideas came straight from the youth.

There are several ways for you to support our mission:

1. Operation Christmas Child: We are meeting Sunday the 23 to assemble shoe boxes for children in need. For more information visit: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

You can help us out by donating:
1. Shoe boxes
2. Christmas Wrapping Paper and Decorative Bows
3. $7 Donation (That covers 1 Box)
4. Gifts for the boxes:

Gift Ideas Include:
TOYS small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, 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, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
A PERSONAL NOTE In a separate envelope, 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 may write back.)
DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans

2. Letters and Cards to a Soldier: Our group is meeting the week of Thanksgiving to assemble a box of letters, treats, and cards for soldiers.
You can help us out by
1. Writing a letter or Card
2. Donating non-perishable treats such as candy and jerky.

If you are interested in participating, email or call to let me know! I am willing to drive to pick-up the items you have to donate!

Thank you for your participation and or thoughts and prayers!

- Chelle

Email me if you are interested: mdc1986@yahoo.com