Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ideas

[aprilgail2]

I have never really even heard of these shoeboxes other than on here, I don't think anyplace I know does those. They all go to third world countries that don't have anything?

 

[luvsJack]

I have never really even heard of these shoeboxes other than on here, I don't think anyplace I know does those. They all go to third world countries that don't have anything?

Different organizations send them to different places One sends them all over, another to a particular country like El Salvador. Another for children in the Appalacian Mountains and the one mentioned here for Native American children.

 

[lovebug21]

Remember no liquids, so toothpaste, mail polish, lotions, etc would all be removed. U like to use plastic shoe boxes because then they can be used to haul water later. For older girls I do sewing materials, cooking utensils, bracelets, craft type things, clothes, flip flops. I heard this years boxes go to Africa so warm weather clothes. For boys, tools, hand held games with extra batteries, solar flashlight, ball hat, sunglasses, fishing stuff, baseball, beach ball. We just finished ours up.

 

[ksjayhawks]

I like to include a dark colored wash cloth and hand towel as well as the other items listed.

 

[aprilgail2]

Different organizations send them to different places One sends them all over, another to a particular country like El Salvador. Another for children in the Appalacian Mountains and the one mentioned here for Native American children.

OK- that makes more sense to me then. I couldn't imagine handing any child I know here a shoebox full of that stuff and them being overjoyed to get it.

 

[minkydog]

I have done boxes for the 10-14yo age group, too, and it can be a lot harder than making them for the younger kids. My list goes something like this:

*School supplies--notepads, pens, 3x5 cards, pencil/pen pouch, ruler, markers, fancy pencils with pencil sharpener

*Craft supplies--scissors, glitter glue pens, easy to use craft kits, glue sticks, water color paints, colored pencils and pencil sharpener, coloring book

*At least one toy--slide whistle, simple magic tricks, puzzle, small stuffed toy, small Etch-a-Sketch, slinky, baseball

*Health & beauty items--soap, toothpaste/toothbrush, washcloth, small towel, chapstick, nail brush, unbreakable mirror, hair pins/barrettes, nail clippers, size 9-11 socks

 

[mumto3girls]

Remember no liquids, so toothpaste, mail polish, lotions, etc would all be removed. U like to use plastic shoe boxes because then they can be used to haul water later. For older girls I do sewing materials, cooking utensils, bracelets, craft type things, clothes, flip flops. I heard this years boxes go to Africa so warm weather clothes. For boys, tools, hand held games with extra batteries, solar flashlight, ball hat, sunglasses, fishing stuff, baseball, beach ball. We just finished ours up.

Although we were told no liquids, we were specifically told that toothpaste was fine. That was for Operation Christmas Child, the others may be different.

 

[Saphire]

OK- that makes more sense to me then. I couldn't imagine handing any child I know here a shoebox full of that stuff and them being overjoyed to get it.

Here is a sweet youtube clip of a child's reaction receiving his box.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlxeSDXb_YM

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Sorry I misunderstood the meaning of the boxes! From the UK I thought they were something else forgive me!

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

Toothpaste is allowed in boxes shipped from the USA (double bag it and make sure the expiration date isn't soon). However, it is not allowed in boxes from some other countries. Candy is another item that some countries allow to be added and some don't.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Toothpaste is allowed in boxes shipped from the USA (double bag it and make sure the expiration date isn't soon). However, it is not allowed in boxes from some other countries. Candy is another item that some countries allow to be added and some don't.

Right, it depends on who you go through. Our organization instructs us no toothpaste/shampoo or edibles, they provide that. I assume it is easier for them to ensure it is packaged properly.

Sent from me.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I'd never heard of it either and assumed it was something for children in the US, maybe orphans or needy children.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I'd never heard of it either and assumed it was something for children in the US, maybe orphans or needy children.

Personally I would prefer to help children locally. We've done the Panama boxes every year, but I may look into domestic programs.

Sent from me.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We will be working on ours this week end.

I like the older boys because well with 3 of our own its easy for me to know what to get.

This year I will put a pair of socks in each box. I have never done that before. Also I have never double bagged the toothpaste. I just double bag the soap and the hard candy. Do you take the toothpaste out of the box. I usually just leave it in the box.

Anyone track their box? I do the online donation and pick that option. One year some of the boxes went to Zambia Africa and the rest went to the Republic of Georgia (Russia). My poor ds said oh they are going down south when I said Georgia

Loved watching that vidoe. I always imagine the kids faces when they are receiving the shoeboxes. We are just so blessed in this country for sure.