The Amazing Journey of a Shoebox Gift Begins with You and Results in Evangelism, Discipleship, and Multiplication.
People in our Congregation volunteer to fill shoeboxes that are provided by the Church. We fill the shoeboxes with small toys, washcloths, soap, socks, gloves, scarfs, hats, school supplies, according to a list of guidelines (see below). The shoeboxes are returned to the Church.
Our youth delivers the shoeboxes to a regional collection enter, where they are loaded in large cardboard boxes, put into tractor trailers, and sent to North Carolina, where shipments are sent throughout the world.
How to Pack a Shoebox:
Girl or Boy?
Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.
Fill with Gifts
Select a quality “wow” toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal. Then add other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.
Other Suggestions
Toys:
Include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
School Supplies:
pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
Non-liquid Hygiene Items:
toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
Accessories:
T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.
A Personal Note:
You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
Do Not Include
Candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
Candy specifications:
Starting in 2017, no type of candy can be included in shoebox gifts.
For more information on Operation Christmas Child click here.