Perhaps a teddy bear can change the world, or at least brighten one heart.

“We are thankful to the Lord for your kind hearts,“ wrote Russian parents of a daughter who received a shoebox. “God made a miracle and showed His love and care for our daughter through you. She had been dreaming about a teddy bear. She asked us many times to buy her one, but we couldn't afford it. All we could do was to pray and believe that God would answer her prayers.”

Filling brightly wrapped shoeboxes and plastic shoebox bins has become a tradition for many. It is that time of the year to once again pick out a shoebox of treats for children around the world.

Filling the shoeboxes is part of Operation Christmas Children -a project that is part of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Operation Christmas Child is the world's largest international children's Christmas project for children throughout the world who suffer from poverty, war, disease, natural disaster and terrorism.

For many, the giving is about more than a toy.

As the Russian parents said: “Now she understands that it is very important to open up your heart and bless someone, to serve someone. Tonight before she went to bed she prayed and asked God to bless those who sent her such a wonderful gift. Then she embraced her teddy bear and fell asleep.“

Annually, about 30 local congregations in Newberry County fill around 1,300 shoeboxes. Once the shoeboxes are filled, they are collected at Redeemer Lutheran Church, sent on to Columbia then Charlotte, and finally, hand-delivered to children around the globe.

Local coordinator Jane Moose said the project of filling a box for a girl or boy is simple.

Boxes filled with goodies will be accepted at Redeemer through Sunday.

“Anyone can bring the boxes. Just one or hundreds, each one is appreciated. School clubs, scouts and industries all participate. Then we just have a number of families that bring their boxes to us,“ said Moose.

Many others in the county spend time at dollar stores and other retail outlets picking out small toys, school supplies, toothbrushes, hairbows and candy for the children.

“One interesting idea is to include a letter to the child and a picture of yourself and family if you want,“ advises Moose. “I have gotten responses back several times from the recipients, and that is an awesome connection. It is such an inspiring project where so little can be life-changing for the recipient child. It is absolutely one of the best ways to impact someone's life.“

“I actually started participating at First Baptist in Newberry and have been doing this for three years at Wightman (United Methodist Church in Prosperity),” said Wightman member Derek Underwood. “Our Outreach committee organizes the project and this year we actually purchased the empty shoeboxes for our congregation...with ‘mission money' and we have added it to the church's budget so it will be done every year from now on.

Wightman members are encouraged to get at least one box.

“Last Saturday, Julie (his wife) and I placed empty boxes, flyers and shipping instructions in every adult classroom. I felt that if the church provided the boxes they would serve as a reminder at home,” Underwood said. “Last year so many people told me they had wanted to fill a box but forgot. Now it sits on their kitchen countertop as a visual reminder.“

Underwood said the first year that he helped with the shoebox project at Wightman, the church had close to 50 boxes. Last year it collected around 100 boxes.

“This year, we have purchased 175 empty boxes and most have been taken home,“ said Underwood, adding the boxes will be collected Sunday.

“This is a very important mission project because it targets and focuses on children,“ said Underwood, who also is a Prosperity Town councilman. “These gifts reach children in third world nations and nations with oppressive governments.

“I love doing it because the whole family gets involved. My children pick a boy or a girl their same age and help buy stuff to fill it up. They also help stuff it. It is a learning tool to share the story of Jesus and why we give to those we do not know. I tell my children we give so others can have Christmas like we do.“

Whitmire's Masters Baptist Church Pastor and Sheriff's Office Major Todd Johnson said the project is also special to his heart and his family. Johnson's small church will collect about 50 boxes, but his family will put together about 20 to 25 of those boxes.

Johnson said each of his three children makes boxes for two boys and girls of their age. Johnson's wife, Kerry, does boxes for babies and he “just goes random“ on those he fills.

“It is a wonderful ministry because these children appreciate the gifts because there will be nothing else,“ said Johnson. “ What a great way to show the love of Christ."

INSIDE THE BOX

GIFT LIST

Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch, toys that light up or make noise, extra batteries, Slinky, etc.

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

Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

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

Do NOT include: