JUNIOR DEPARTMENT

Operation Christmas Child is the endorsed project of the IOKDS Junior Department but all members can and do participate in this rewarding service project.

What is it? OCC (Operation Christmas Child) is a ministry of Samaritan's Purse led by Franklin Graham. Large shoeboxes or plastic shoeboxes are filled with gifts, and sent to needy children everywhere. Since 1990 more than 93 million boy and girls around the world in 130 countries have received shoeboxes.

(Pictured here is a member from the Mobjack Bay Junior Circle)

What does it do? It provides a box to each child, full of toys, games, school supplies and hygiene items. For some, it will be the very first gift they have ever received. Materials describing God's Love, the greatest gift of all, are added before shipping by the Samaritan's Purse outreach ministry.
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What has OCC accomplished? Obviously the children benefit from the gifts but in addition the boxes have brought great joy to their families, communities and even their countries. Hearts have been touched in parts of the world that previously were not open to learning about Jesus Christ. Doors have been opened allowing missionaries in countries where before they were not allowed. Churches have been planted spreading the gospel to local people of all ages and Sunday school classes are now offered.

How do you get started? If this will be the first year for your juniors to participate a good way to introduce this project is to read and discuss Luke 10: 30-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan followed by a group discussion of how that applies to them.

What do you include in the box?

Toys: small cars, balls, slinkys jump ropes, harmonicas, yo-yos, playing cards and games. Dominoes and number games are good choices. My granddaughter says "every child needs something to hug". So include an age appropriate stuffed animal or mascot.

School Supplies: regular and colored pencils and pencil sharpeners, writing pads, solar calculators, art paper, markers, crayons, glue sticks, stamps and ink pads, picture and coloring books

Hygiene Items: toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap, comb, brush,

Other: Individually wrapped hard candy, mints, suckers, gum, t shirts, socks, sunglasses, ball caps, watches or flashlights with extra batteries, hair barrettes, and pony tail holders.

Be creative, but keep in mind many children do not speak English.

Do not include used or damaged goods, any war related items like guns, knives or military figures, no chocolate or out of date candy, no liquids, lotions, aerosol cans, no breakable items or scissors.

To get started determine how many boxes are to be filled, choose a boy or girl and select an age range. Make a list of what you want to include. Solicit parent involvement. You could assign each member to bring specific items to the next meeting.

Packing: Make it fun. It is a good idea for leaders to provide the boxes and have extra supplies on hand. Check the website for specifics, how to wrap and to print labels.
Make an assembly line and checklist for each child and an adult or older member to assist the younger ones.

Include a personal note to the child. Your message could be as simple as God Loves You and so do I. Or, just say I live in the United States and I hope you like this present. Just give your juniors a few suggestions and let them begin. They may want to send a drawing instead of a message.

When do you begin? August through September is an ideal time to purchase shoebox items. Take advantage of back to school sales on toys, games and hygiene items.

Shipping info: Cost is $7.

Click on this link: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/followyourbox/ for the specific directions for donating the $7 online. This allows you to track the shoebox. You will be notified where and when your shoebox is delivered. Junior members will especially like the opportunity to discuss a little about the culture, the location, etc., of their box's destination. If you prefer, you can enclose a $7 check in an envelope and tape it to the box. Tracking is not an option with this method.

When must boxes be delivered? November 12 - 19, 2012

Where? Check the website here: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/ for your closest drop off location.

Utilize this link: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/ as your resource for all additional information.

On behalf of all juniors I genuinely thank you for contributing to this worthy endeavor In His Name and supporting the IOKDS leaders of tomorrow.

Beverly Duffer,
International Junior Director

Proverbs 3:5, 6 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." NAS

As the Junior Department Director, I find inspiration in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

My logo is a compass surrounded by a circle with the words of verse 6. I hope the junior IOKDS members will learn from each of us that relying on His direction is the best compass they can have.

I am pleased to report that this year there are 252 juniors. This total is exactly the same as in 2011. Maintaining membership is an improvement over the recent past. Twelve of the thirteen junior circles are distributed among eight branches.

They include:

Florida: Happy Hearts
Illinois: Silver Cross
Kentucky: Guardian Angels
Ontario: Starlighters
South Carolina: Sarah
Tennessee: Lillian Harwell, King's Kids, Margaret Yarborough, Merry Hearts
Texas: Sunshine Sisters
Wisconsin: Francis Gilbert

In addition, the Virginia Branch proudly announces the two newest junior circles. Both were established in 2010.

The Seahorse Circle, in the Virginia Beach area, started with 27 and now has 31 members. Juniors range in age from one to twelve and are all related to Mermaid Circle members. Robin McKenzie is the leader of this circle. They have been actively engaged in service projects especially in supporting the Kings Daughters Children's Hospital in Norfolk. They have made cards for the patients, and donated earnings from lemonade stands to the cancer center.

Additionally, they held a bike-a-thon (pictured above) along the beach
raising money for donations. Because of the age variation of the members,
they were pushed in strollers or rode tricycles and bicycles. Members voted
to divide the funds between Operation Smile and the children's hospital.

On two occasions, they walked along the beach and picked up trash (pictured at left).

They have also filled stockings for the Salvation Army.

The Mobjack Bay Junior Circle was founded in Mathews, Virginia area. They average nine members at their meetings. Norma Enders leads this group. These juniors immediately embraced the junior endorsed project, Operation Christmas Child, and in just two years have donated 16 shoeboxes. To raise money for the Samaritans Purse ministry they have a booth at the annual Mathews Market Days where they sell a variety of homemade items. They chose to crochet hats for the military for Project Appreciation.

They do take time for fun and are shown at the table making necklaces with their own designs.

It is important to recognize that not all junior members are part of an organized circle and they should not be forgotten. Many live in areas where there are no circles. They often are relatives of our senior members who pay their dues every year. Through phone calls and letters they can be involved in the Order. With a little effort and creative thinking these youngsters can develop hearts for service. Enlisting parental support is the first step. Next a service project can be introduced. They can be encouraged to learn about Samaritans Purse and fill shoeboxes. Including friends and siblings would make it more enjoyable and rewarding. Another option could be collect used children books and donate them to a local childcare charity. These are just a couple of ideas to consider how to be certain these young members are remembered.

The IOKDS junior prayer follows. Please reach out to your favorite junior by sending them a copy of this prayer.

PRAYER OF THE ORDER FOR JUNIORS

Almighty God, our everlasting Father,
may we always strive to please Thee in our efforts to do good,
wherever we are, whatever our duties,
may we always be true to the little cross we wear,
for it stands for purity, honor and unselfish actions.
Help us to do everything IN HIS NAME.

Amen

Beverly Duffer
International Junior Director

International dues for Junior Members, age birth through 17 years of age, are only $2.00 per year. Juniors may become Junior Members of Senior Circles, or, with the support of Senior Members, start their own Circles with as few as three members. Additional information is available from the International Junior Director, Bev Duffer, at 317-485-4935 or e-mail at: littlehouse07@comcast.net.