In my day to day life in Chicago, I am usually thinking about wants … I want a faux fur vest. I want a Nikon D800. I want to go on vacation. I want a new Tory Burch handbag. What I didn’t realize until I traveled through Peru and Central America was how much I had. How fortunate I was. How I didn’t need anything. I just wanted.

So when I came back to Chicago, I knew I had to find a way to give to those less fortunate in third world countries who actually need. Just last week, I stumbled on Operation Christmas Child, and I knew I HAD to participate.

OCC collects shoe boxes packed with school supplies, toys, hygiene products and more for children to receive at Christmas. These children live in terrible conditions…conditions we cannot even imagine … where things like a pencil are so valuable. I was so touched by this….and I was so excited to give instead of want.

So yesterday afternoon, I headed to the store and PACKED my basket with goodies for my kids. I had so much fun picking out things for them knowing that they will be so happy with these small gifts.

I actually went a little overboard on gifts for my kids. Between crayons, coloring books, candy, bouncing balls, jump ropes … I am not really sure how I am going to close these boxes…. :) What I am really excited about is that I can track my boxes to see what country they go to.

Samaritan’s Purse is collecting boxes through Nov. 19th. So if you are looking for a way to give this holiday season, be sure to check out this awesome organization. Because it really is better to give than to want and receive.