Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is one of my absolute favourite charities to be involved in. Packing a shoebox - a tangible way to help children in need around the world - is something we can all do. It doesn't cost a lot of money (about $20-$25), it's a great family project (even young kids can pack a shoebox), and it gives a child a wonderful gift with school supplies, hygiene products, books & toys, something they may have never received before.

Want to know how to pack a shoebox?

First, you'll need the box.

Any regular size shoe box will do (not the giant work-boot sized boxes) or you can use the shoebox sized plastic totes. You can wrap your shoebox if you want, as long as you wrap the lid separately to accomodate inspection. Customs are very sticky these days.

Boy or Girl?

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.
Stick the label on the outside of your shoebox.

Fill That Shoebox!

....with a well-balanced variety of items such as:

•School Supplies - pencils, pens, crayons, note pads, and picture books

•Toys & Other Gifts - stuffed animals, small musical instruments, marbles, ball, slinky, hair clips, toy jewelry, t-shirts, socks, and candy (loose, individually wrapped hard candy in a sealable bag)
•Hygiene Items - toothbrush, comb, brush, soap (in a sealable bag)
•Optional Personal Note - Include a personal note and/or a photo in your shoe box (NOT inside the donation envelope)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
•Toothpaste (due to customs regulations)
•Food and any chewy, crumbly, or soft candy: Including gum (due to customs regulations)
•Used items (due to customs regulations)
•Playing cards (card games such as UNO are allowed)
•Liquids or items that could leak, melt, freeze, or break – Shampoo, creams, lip balm, bath gels, mirrors, or glass, etc. (these can damage other items in the shoe box).
-Items that can scare or harm a child – War-related toys, knives, and toy guns, etc.

Make your Donation

A minimum of $7 for each shoe box is needed to cover shipping. Place a cheque or cash donation in an envelope inside the box (separate from the envelope used for your letter/photo) OR, make an online donation and include the donation receipt in the shoe box.

Drop it Off
November 14-21 is Collection Week. Click here to find a location near you.

If you are in my area, the pentecostal church is collecting the shoeboxes.
Our deadline is Sunday, November 20th.

If you don't have time to do it yourself, you can go Pack a Shoebox Online and OCC will do the work for you. This option costs $37 including shipping.

For more info and updates 

Follow them on Facebook
Or
Check out the website at http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/Operation-Christmas-Child/default.aspx

Now go visit the dollar store (you know you love that place) and get packing! :)