Operation Christmas Child: Pack a Shoe Box

I consider us lucky. We have enough money to purchase our kids the necessities in life - toothbrushes, soap, combs, and clothing. Sadly, millions of children around the world don't get the luxury of having these items. That is one reason I love Operation Christmas Child. Last year, OCC gave 8 million children shoe boxes filled with goodies to children around the world. This year, I am teaching my children the power of giving by allowing them the opportunity to help put together a shoe box for someone in their age group. These boxes are so simple to do that I urge you all to consider putting at least one box together as a family this year.

If you would like to participate, here is what you need to do:

1. Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl and choose the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the label on this page and tape the label to the top of your box.
2. Fill your box with gifts. These don't have to be expensive and can come from your gift closet or the Dollar Store. Please just make sure they are unused and undamaged. Here are some ideas:

• Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, McDonald's toys, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketches, ect.
• School Supplies: pencils, crayons, writing paper or pads, coloring books, picture books, ect. 
• Hygiene Items: soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, ect. 
• Other: Hard candy & lollipops (please make sure these are age-appropriate), gum, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, ect. 
• Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out of date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items; aerosol cans. 

     

They ask that you please donate $7 for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online using the EZGIVE option or you can write a check to Samaritan's Purse (note "OCC" on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. 

Collection week is November 15-22 and you can go here to find a drop-off location near you. You can also send your shoe box gift to:

Samaritan's Purse

Operation Christmas Child

801 Bamboo Road

Boone, NC 28607    

I have so many "freebies" that I have scored by using coupons, requesting samples and freebies via the mail, ect. that I should be able to put together a box easily. I am sure that if you really looked, you could do it too!