It's time for the back-to-school sales--my favorite time of year for Operation Christmas Child. I was disheartened to see that WalMart's regular back-to-school price for a 24-pack of Crayola crayons this year is 40 cents--up from 25 cents last year. I've heard stories of how important these school supplies are to children in other countries who need them to be able to attend school. I've heard that buying a box of crayons in Uganda, for example, can cost a week's wages for a family.
Because we're planning to pack so many boxes, I'm trying to find better prices on crayons but I still prefer Crayola. They're just so far superior to the cheaper waxy varieties.
I was very excited when I saw that Toys R Us has Crayola 24-packs on sale this week for 4/$1.00. I've never dealt with Toys R Us for quantity buying, so I decided to go to WalMart and ask them if they'd order me a few thousand and match the Toys R Us price. I put out a prayer alert to my team and on Facebook and I set out.
At the WalMart on West 23rd Street I explained my request at the service desk and was directed to Monica, the dept. manager for stationery. She then had to inquire of Tony, the manager, to see if ordering was a possibility. Tony had to check by e-mail to see if a large order could be made.
Meanwhile, I sat on a bench and prayed fervently, believing that God can 'open doors no one can shut'. Finally Tony came out with the verdict--they couldn't order the large quantity I wanted. But he said he was willing to sell me what they had in stock at the store.
So I sat and waited again while Monica rounded up all she could find and I ended up with 431 boxes. Monica told me to call back on Thursday when she has another shipment coming in and she'll try to get more for me. Both Tony and Monica were very helpful and I sensed God's favor.
Next I'm going to try some other WalMart stores in our area and see if God will provide more from that avenue. There's always the chance that another store will offer a good sale price that WalMart will match for me in future weeks, as well. I love seeing how God provides it all--in His way and in His time.
The needs and prayers of children around the world are being answered by God's favor--one 24-pack at a time.
God's grace and favor amazes me when I hear testimonies like this one.
ReplyDeleteI usually purchase the school supply items for my boxes in Staples..but for the last two years I noticed that the sales have not been as generous as previous years. God will provide!
May the Lord continue to provide on a supernatural level all that your heart desires for the gift boxes 2011.