Operation Christmas Child and other ways to give

Operation Christmas Child starts this week. That is, the Christian nonprofit organization that has over the course of 15 years delivered over 61 million boxes of gifts to young children throughout the world this holiday season. All over the US churches are collecting shoe boxes full of gifts to be delivered to poverty-stricken children around the world. Though the organization is headed by Samaritan's Purse, a Christian organization that has been doing charitable deeds for 35 years, the group's main prerogative is bringing the joy of gift-giving to those who are without. Through shoe-box gifts, filled with hard candy, school supplies, toys, hygiene items and other nicknacks, children from Uganda to Peru, the Philippines to Mexico, can enjoy what so many take for granted: presents.

"Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world," says OCC's website. The hands-on project and direct effect these boxes have are a great way to feel the cheer of this holiday season, while giving back. And if the religious overtones don't feel exactly right, there are plenty of other warmhearted ways to give to those without. Organizations like TisBest, JustGive, Heifer International andCharity Choice all provide wonderful ways to donate to a cause, give to a child and make the world a better place.

More info: www.samaritanspurse.org

Read an article from Ode about charitable giving.