For several years I’ve been supporting our church’s ministry to pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I heard early on that the least popular shoebox to pack was for boys 9-15 years old….which is right in the center of the age group of boys from Trail Life USA, a Christian outdoor adventure ministry.  I began seeking sources for #5 soccer balls to place in their boxes for their WOW gift….along with a ball pump & extra needles.   This year I have found a source that will produce and deliver to Midlothian, VA a #5 ball, pump and needles for $5.00 each.  These balls are 2.7mm thick machine sewn PVC with rubber bladder, weighing between 330-350g.   I have one that I ordered from 2019 and it’s still in good condition and has a nice feel.  I’m attaching a picture of that ball here (white with red, yellow, blue, black art).  The ones we order might end up looking like the blue ball shown below but will have the same specifications.  I’d like to complete the order by August 1.  I would expect delivery no later than October 1st…plenty of time for packing parties and shoebox collection.  Last year I also added these to the boxes for boys aged 5 to 9.  I got this idea when I found that my two granddaughters aged 2 to 3 enjoyed playing with the ball I procured in 2019.

I’m making this opportunity available to you.  Deadline to order is July 31, 2021.