that time of year again

I've recently been brainstorming and looking for outreach opportunities to participate in as a family. Interestingly enough, this also happened to be the topic of conversation at my Open House on Saturday. Here's what I have so far:

• Operation Christmas Child: Pack a shoebox for a child in another country. (Click HERE for details.) They are being collected the week of November 17-24 and you can find a drop-off location near you by clicking HERE.
• World Vision Gift Catalog: Your family can purchase clothing, food, animals, and other necessities for families across the globe. Another option would be to commit as a family to sponsor a child. You might want to call your church first to see if they partner with either Compassion or World Vision; if so, you would likely have the opportunity to meet your sponsored child through a future mission trip. (Too, for all of you blogging fans - Big Mama is now in the Dominican Republic for Compassion. The last blog trip resulted in 431 sponsored children! Click HERE for details.)
• Feed My Starving Children: Pack meals for starving children around the world. Click HERE for Minnesota walk-in volunteer nights or click HERE if you'd like to register a group of 10 or more.
• Dakota Woodlands Shelter: There are a variety of volunteer opportunities located HERE. If time is short, you could also contribute by making a wish list donation (see a list of current needs HERE).
• Armful of Love: Scott and Dakota County residents can provide holiday gifts by sponsoring a family in need in their community during the holiday season. Click HERE to learn more.

Now I must REALLY get some work done! If I come up with any more ideas, I'll be sure to post them. (Please feel free to add yours as well!)