1. Is »Operation Christmas Child« a project of a church?
No, this is not the case. Operation Christmas Child is a project of »Geschenke der Hoffnung e.V.« in Berlin / Germany.
2. Who is »Geschenke der Hoffnung e.V.«?
»Geschenke der Hoffnung e.V.« is an international mission and relief organisation. The center of the work is the propagation of the Gospel and Aid to people in need, regardless of their religious, social or cultural background. »Geschenke der Hoffnung e.V.« partners worldwide with »Samaritan's Purse International«, »Billy Graham Evangelistic Association« and various organisations in its project countries. The association is member of the AMD (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Missionarische Dienste) in the Deaconry of the German Lutheran Church (»Diakonisches Werk der Evangelischen Kirche Deutschlands« (EKD)). It also carries the certificates of the DZI (»Deutsches Zentralinstitut für soziale Fragen«) and the German Evangelic Alliance. The DZI certificate corresponds with the Swiss ZEWO standards.
3. Is it possible to deduct donations from the taxes?
The headquarter of »Geschenke der Hoffnung e.V.« is in Berlin/ Germany. Therefore we can not issue donation certificates for Swiss donors.
4. Why are Yu-Gi-Oh cards, Pokemon and similar items not allowed?
The main reason is the content of these cards. They often contain rather violent, scary or other information and do not offer an impact, but rather have a bitter taste. Try to imagine how this affects someone in a needy society who has experienced war or poverty at a greater range than we. Also the shoe box gifts are distributed by various Christian churches of different denominations and magic expressions of any kind contradict Christian faith and thus their credibility.
5. Why is it not possible to divide the 10-14 years group into 2 sections (considering puberty and growth)?
The method of having 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14 has so far worked very well. »Operation Christmas Child« is a worldwide project. Every year shoebox gifts are distributed to an increasing number of children in need. In 2008 it reached 7,8 mio children in more than 100 countries. If gender or sizes should not fit, the children simply exchange their gifts or offer it to a younger sibling, relative or friend. Best is to include the largest size of the age category. In any case: because of the mixture of contents, every child finds items it rejoices over.
6. Wouldn't it be more effective to use the money to have gifts prepared in-country? After all, this would support the local economy ... .
On first sight, it sounds like a good idea, but it has some loose ends. These transactions wouldn't just be a matter of sending money over. It would also include hiring people. These would have to be instructed and supervised constantly. In addition, a whole new network would have to be set up to organise the shopping, packing and distribution and there would never be a guarantee that the money is being used properly. Furthermore, it may not even benefit the economy due to other foreign companies who make their profit off the system. There are other ways to help a country in need with: »Geschenke der Hoffnung e.V.« for example supports projects that help the local economy and the local people, such as "Moldawienhilfe", water filters, sanitation projects and many others you will find under www.geschenke-der-hoffnung.org
7. Why do you ask for an additional donation of 10,- CHF for transport and unwinding of the project? Couldn't this be solved through sponsors?
Separate Sponsoring would need additional advertisement, additional explanations, additional personal and therefore additional finances. It is much closer at hand to ask the donor of the shoebox gift to freely support the set up of the project, just like he is supporting his parcel with a stamp at the post office. The 10,- CHF are a recommended, approximate donation and thus free. Everything can be donated in order to help cover the costs for the project: 1,- CHF is just as welcome as 10,- CHF or 100,- CHF or more.
8. Do children have to be Christian to receive a present?
No. Religious or cultural backgrounds are not relevant.
9. Is it not manipulative to give a gift along with an evangelic booklet?
No. The offer of the booklet is not linked to the offer of the gift, nor is the acceptance of the literature a condition for the shoebox gift. But the reason for the season is Christmas. Therefore the gifts are generally distributed along with a Christmas celebrations. In any case the gift is offered unconditionally. When the literature or a Christmas celebration is not allowed or not suitable, the gift is offered regardless.
10. Where do the shoeboxes go?
This year they are going to Moldova.
11. Why is it not possible to donate used items?
The transport of these boxes goes far easier without such goods which need to be closely inspected, disinfected etc. Some used items are even forbidden to import, such as used shoes, used toys and used clothes for age 0-3. When custom requirements are met, the time spent at customs is reduced and the shoeboxes get to the children in time for Christmas.
Another reason is that we want to express our love and appreciation to the child through new gifts. The children do not mind receiving used items as long as they are declared as such. But OCC gives a gift-paper wrapped box. No one expects used items under gift paper. Even though some of our receiving countries might have lower standards for the import of used items, OCC still is an international project with equal standards world wide. We want OCC Switzerland to grow in order to be able to import into more and more different countries in one season, than just into one country. In order not to confuse the donors with something that is allowed one year and not allowed the next, than again allowed the year after, we have to be consistent with our standards.
