Q: What is Operation Christmas Miracle?
A: Operation Christmas Miracle is a program serving low-income, underprivileged, homeless children in the DC region for over 80 years by providing gifts and encouragement to families who otherwise would not be able to afford gifts for their children.
Q: How do you choose the families?
A: Our families qualify for the free Christmas gifts based on income. Yearly, we host Christmas registration to verify the family is in need by asking them to provide proof of income. Most families are on government assistance programs.
In addition, there are several programs within CU Mission assisting men living at the homeless shelter; therefore they too qualify for assistance for their children.
Q: How many children can I sponsor?
A: As many as you want! We have 1000 or more children that need sponsored for Christmas.
Q: Can I sponsor a family?
A: This year families are not being sponsored, but if you would like to help the parents, a gift card for
Walmart or
Target is appreciated. Our hope is to supply every family with a Gift Card for $50-$100 to one of these stores.
Q: Can I host a toy drive instead of sponsoring a child or family?
A: Yes, we encourage most businesses, churches and companies to consider a toy drive. This is much easier to organize, promote and to collect toys. Once completed, the toys will be used to make Christmas bags for children not sponsored.
Q: How many gifts should a child receive?
A: We want every child treated equally, therefore we ask donors to supply a game, book, and (4-5) gifts per child. No candy, food, shoes or clothing, except for a winter coat.
Q: How do I know what to purchase for the child?
A: A personalized wish list & suggested gifts are provided. This list is based on the gifts parents have recommended for their children and what’s popular this season. Please no candy, food, shoes or clothing, except for winter coats.
Q: Why can’t I purchase clothing for the child I am sponsoring?
A: We understand the need for clothing and shoes, but often find the sizes, colors or style doesn’t match what the child would prefer. Therefore, we recommend a gift card. A suggested list of stores is provided on the gift list. One exception is a winter coat for the child you sponsor.
Q: Is there a particular age of children that need sponsored?
A: Yes, the older children, ages 12-17, are our hardest group to find sponsors. If you are able, consider helping an older child.
Q: Can I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Why does the tax receipt not list the amount I spent on the gifts?
A: Yes, tax receipts are available for everyone who donates towards the Christmas program. We do ask for a copy of the receipt along with the DONOR INFORMATION SHEET, to keep on file for our own tax purposes. But as the donor, you are responsible for claiming your donation amount to the IRS.
Q: Can I drop my donation off in Maryland or Virginia?
A: Yes, we have locations in both Maryland and Virginia for collecting Christmas gifts. Please check the DONOR INSTRUCTION PACKET or the website for details.
Q: Can I drop off gifts after the collection deadline?
A: Yes, but it’s preferred that gifts arrive by the deadline. Extra time is needed to sort and organize the bags prior to distribution. Gifts received after the deadline will go to children on the waiting list or local partners.
Q: What happens if I give extra Christmas gifts?
A: After every child has received their gift bag, extra Christmas gifts are given to those on our waiting list and local partner agencies who also serve low-income children in the District.
Q: If I want to volunteer or bring a group to volunteer, how do I sign up?
A: Help is ALWAYS welcome when preparing for Operation Christmas Miracle. The easiest way to volunteer is through our website,
www.missiondc.org. From there, you will be ushered onto VOLUNTEER CENTRAL. On volunteer central you can browse the options available for serving with Operation Christmas Miracle.
Q: Do you collect Bibles for the children and if so, what version?
A: Yes, we do accept Bibles for children. The Beginners Bible, New International Version, The Action Bible, or New Living Translation are recommended. Children’s Bibles may be found at
www.cbd.com,
www.Amazon.com,
www.lifeway.com.
Q: When will I receive information about the child or family I sponsored?
A:You can begin shopping immediately after you sign up. A DONOR INSTRUCTION PACKET & SUGGESTED GIFT LIST should have automatically been sent to you after registering on-line. A follow up email will be sent within 2 business days with your child’s ID number, first name and wish list.
Also check your JUNK/SPAM mail, sometimes the email will show up there.
Q: Will the child I selected receive the gifts if ordered on Amazon.com? Can we order other gifts from Amazon and have them included in the Mission order or must they come from the list that displays? What is the address a gift should be sent?
A: Yes, the selected child will receive the gifts ordered on Amazon if you include a gift tag with the child’s name, age, gender and ID number.
Yes, you can include additional gifts not listed on the Wish List, but include the gift tag with the child’s information.
Mail gifts to: CU Mission Family Ministry Christmas, 3194 Bladensburg Rd. NE, Suite B, Washington DC 20018.
