Operation CARES 4 KIDS: Service Project

Every Christmas hundreds of families in our community struggle to have the financial means to provide gifts for their children.


At Imago Dei we want to make a difference in our community and in the lives of children. This December we are partnering with Sahuaro Elementary to help add a little hope to the Holiday season.

You can play a vital role in our community this Christmas by participating in OPERATION CARES 4 KIDS!


Our goal is to provide the kids at Sahuaro Elementary School with shoeboxes full of gifts for kids ages 5-9 years old. Here is what to do…

#1 GET SHOE BOX Use an empty shoebox (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. Please wrap the box (lid separately).

#2 LABEL BOY OR GIRL Gifts will be for kids ages 5-9. Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and mark the box with a “B” for boy or “G” for girl.

#3 FILL WITH GIFTS: Fill the box with a variety of gifts that kids would enjoy. Here are some ideas…

•TOYS small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

•SCHOOL SUPPLIES pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

•HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth.

•OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

•A PERSONAL NOTE In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers or aerosol cans.

#4 TURN IN GIFTS: Please have gifts to our contact person (Leslie) by Sunday December 14th so they can be turned into the school by the 15th.

For Questions: Contact School: Sahuaro Elementary School Social Worker, Laurel Fiore, (MSW, LCSW) At laurel.fiore@wesdschools.org . To reach the church project coordinator contact Leslie Rice at leslieraerice@gmail.com .

For the gospel and the glory of God in our city,
Pastor Ryan Rice
Imago Dei Community Church