This really bothers me

[Michie]

I was at the local discount store today and ran into an acquaintance, noticed he was carrying a shoebox. Asked him, the reason for it. He explained to me that his church was buying Christmas gifts for needy kids in our area. Asked him if I could peek at the list and buy a few things. On the list was pencils, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a few other items. Now, I know needy kids need these items, but would not they like a doll or toy truck for Christmas. I was really appalled and told him as such. I think these items should be furnished at other times, not at Christmas. It just bothers me.

 

[Sammie]

I was at the local discount store today and ran into an acquaintance, noticed he was carrying a shoebox. Asked him, the reason for it. He explained to me that his church was buying Christmas gifts for needy kids in our area. Asked him if I could peek at the list and buy a few things. On the list was pencils, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a few other items. Now, I know needy kids need these items, but would not they like a doll or toy truck for Christmas. I was really appalled and told him as such. I think these items should be furnished at other times, not at Christmas. It just bothers me.

Actually when they do shoebox things you have to buy items that will fit and most places give you a list of what is recommended and what he had is usually recommended and what the kids want. If you dont have pencils, toothbrushes etc. toys dont really matter.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

My niece's girl scout troop did a shoebox donation thing for kids last year and the shoebox's were NOT filled with those items. They were filled with small toys and clothes. You can put things like matchbox cars and barbie dolls in those boxes.

 

[Michie]

This was a list for all kids that were to be recipents. The list was the same for everybody. I just cannot imagine a kid being happy to recieve pencils instead of a pretty, cuddly doll to play with.

 

[Tinkbell]

Actually when they do shoebox things you have to buy items that will fit and most places give you a list of what is recommended and what he had is usually recommended and what the kids want. If you dont have pencils, toothbrushes etc. toys dont really matter.

I teach at an inner city urban school. We've been lucky enough to have these types of "shoeboxes" delivered to us. You should see how happy the kids are to get new pencils, crayons, toothpaste, dental floss, etc. They are really appreciated. Toys are great too, but many kids don't have the basic supplies we take for granted.

 

[Blondy876]

Our church also does the shoe boxes and I agree with another poster that if you don't have the basic necessities then what good are toys. That being said we have a big box for donations in the foyer of our church and it's always full of pencils, toothbrushes, socks etc. Once I see that those basics have been donated I go out and buy books, small dolls, action figures, whatever. They are kids and all kids deserve to have something they want for Christmas, not just the things they need.

 

[Pooh67_68]

I have done Operation shoebox Christmas
www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/occ/index.asp
and on their list is toothbrush and tooth paste.

 

[mommaU4]

This was a list for all kids that were to be recipents. The list was the same for everybody. I just cannot imagine a kid being happy to recieve pencils instead of a pretty, cuddly doll to play with.

I can. If a child desperately wants to learn to write but doesn't have a pencil, he can't. If a child really wants to read but doesn't own a book, she can't.

These things might not seem special through our eyes but to them I bet they are. And why not do both? If they need pencils, make it fun and send cute Barbie pencils or whatever. Some cute character toothbrushes and toothpaste would be fun for any kid. And if there's room stick some cars or other small items in there as well.

 

[Michie]

I guess what bothers me is that there was not any toys on the list.

 

[Kimberle]

Our church does this. Our boxes are sent overseas. They may not seem like "fun" presents to kids raised in the states, but they are lifesavers for many 3rd world kids. Most people do put in a couple of "fun" items/toys. Plus many of the boxes are given to older children who really wouldn't play with a barbie doll or matchbox car.

We also have to be careful not to offend the local people. Barbie dolls are harmless to us, but very "sinful" in some parts of the world.

 

[MOMTOCUTESTDOGEVER]

I agree with you OP. Sammie stated that if the kids don't have pencils and toothbrushes, then toys don't really matter. That is good logic for an adult. On Christmas, kids don't really care about the basics and they deserve at least one toy. I would think a young child, specifically one who still believes in Santa, would be crushed to think that he tried to be good all year and then didn't get a toy.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

I guess what bothers me is that there was not any toys on the list.

I agree. There is nothing wrong with those items in addition to the toys but not just those items without toys. Like I said before, last year my niece did this and we put small toys and some clothing in them. We tried to use some of the bigger shoeboxes.

 

[Lil_Tink]

Weird. Our school does Toys for Tots where you donate toys...Not shoebox stuff.

 

[Pooh67_68]

I guess what bothers me is that there was not any toys on the list.

The shoeboxes that I have done, through the link I posted above, does ask for small toys also.

Here is an example of what they ask for:

What to Pack
Please use the following lists for ideas on what to pack, or not pack, in your shoe box

Please select from the following YES items:

A cuddly toy
A toothbrush, toothpaste
A wrapped bar of soap and flannel
A notepad, colouring book
Picture books
Pencils and pens
A set of crayons or felt pens
A hat, cap, gloves, scarf
A small ball or tennis ball
A puzzle e.g. small jigsaw
For boys: a toy car, truck, passenger plane or similar item
For girls: jewellery (e.g. pair of clip earrings, make-up or hair accessories)
A greetings card or a photo of yourself
Sweets (must be at least March 2006 sell by date)

Do not include items from any of the following categories:

No chocolate due to customs regulations in receiving countries
Other edible items (e.g. crisps, biscuits, tinned food or cake)
War related items (e.g. toy guns and soldiers, knives)
Clothing (other than listed above)
Glass containers, mirrors or fragile items
Liquids of any type (e.g. blow bubbles, shampoos, bubble bath, toiletry sets or aerosols)
Marbles or sharp objects
Anything of a political, racial or religious nature
Medicines
Books with words

Due to import regulations, all goods should be new or nearly new.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Our church does this. Our boxes are sent overseas. They may not seem like "fun" presents to kids raised in the states, but they are lifesavers for many 3rd world kids. Most people do put in a couple of "fun" items/toys. Plus many of the boxes are given to older children who really wouldn't play with a barbie doll or matchbox car.

We also have to be careful not to offend the local people. Barbie dolls are harmless to us, but very "sinful" in some parts of the world.

I don't know about your church but my niece's girl scout troop had the ages and sexes of the children the boxes were for and we also knew the area they were going to (local) so there was nothing "sinful" or too young or too old for the children. There was a list of what was acceptable and what wasn't. They were thrilled to receive them.

Even so older kids would like a present, not just bare necessities.

 

[chell]

I have done Operation shoebox Christmas
www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/occ/index.asp
and on their list is toothbrush and tooth paste.

When their boxes are processed they make sure each box has a toy and some candy - so the kids get those as well.

 

[Pooh67_68]

When their boxes are processed they make sure each box has a toy and some candy - so the kids get those as well.

O' yes I know. I just posted the list of what they do/don't recommend.

 

[chell]

O' yes I know. I just posted the list of what they do/don't recommend.

Just wanted to make sure everyone else knew. I didn't see your post when I made mine. Oops.

 

[m&m's mom]

The shoeboxes that I have done, through the link I posted above, does ask for small toys also.
A wrapped bar of soap and flannel

Am I the only one who does not know what a "flannel " is?
I know about the flannel sheets, shirts etc but w/soap?
I am going to guess washcloth.

 

[crazee4mickey]

Our school does this every year---it is called "Operation Christmas Child" and is operated by Samaritan's Purse. Here is a website if anyone wants to check it out:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC_Index.asp
The shoeboxes go to poor children all over the world so getting a toothbrush, soap, socks, pens, pencils is a HUGE deal!
We make sure each box has a little bag of candy as well...this year we filled 95 boxes and they were packed full!
We have received letters from the children and they appreciate every little thing they get and it makes you feel so good to know how grateful and how much it means to a child when they receive one little shoebox filled with what we think are necessities.
I guess they are so grateful for anything that being materialistic about toys isn't a high priority like it would be for our own children who expect that they get a toy for Christmas