Samaritan's Purse

Just wanted to let everyone know about the Charity that CedarHouseArt is supporting for the next couple of months. It is called Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. I personally have been involved with this charity for the past 4 years and I feel that every dime I spend or donate in relation to this charity is used to help as many people as they can with the best help they can provide.

Here is a rundown about the charity:
It was started by Billy Graham's son, Franklin Graham. Just one of the many things they do to support needy families around the world and provide international relief is called Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed with Christmas gifts, shipped, and delivered across the globe. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

National Collection Week is November 17-24.

Giving is so easy and tons of fun. First get an old shoe box (preferably for tennis shoes) or buy a plastic storage bin with a top (about the side of a shoebox) and fill it with as many toys, hygiene products, candy, etc. that you can get in it. It only costs $7 to ship and you can drop off the boxes at lots of churches and they will ship it in bulk. You can also see the website to search for dropoff locations in your area. PLUS, samaritan's purse provides Christian literature and starts mission projects in the areas where shoe boxes are delivered.

Just go to www.samaritanspurse.org and click on the Operation Christmas Child link on the first page to get all the info needed and for a list of suggested items for the shoebox. You can go to dollar tree and other dollar stores and fill up a shoebox for very little money.

Again the boxes will need to be ready to be collected by November 17-24.

This is a program that I am very passionate about. Growing up in a family where Christmas is a HUGE deal and where there was no shortage of gifts...I am saddened and filled with guilt that there are children all over the world who have never recieved a christmas gift. Luckily I was taught the true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Lord. But so many think its just about giving gifts. Most of us would say that we are greatly blessed to have what we have and I don't think its too much to ask to forfeit something we probably don't need anyway to give a child a christmas morning they will never forget.

CedarHouseArt will be donating 10% of every painting sold to this project and if you would like to donate without buying a painting please contact me @ mmholmespharmd@yahoo.com or www.cedarhouseart.com.

Please be in prayer for the children and families that will be recieving these gifts that they will truly feel the love of God!

God Bless and May You All Have a Joyous Holiday Season!!!!
Mary Margaret Holmes
www.cedarhouseart.com