92 Ideas For Packing An Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

So often we take our blessings for granted and forget that much of the world is struggling just to survive.  Operation Christmas Child makes it their mission to see that we don’t forget – that we take a step back from our selfish natures and think of someone else. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child who isn’t so lucky as our own.
The boxes arrived this week and we are encouraging you to take up the challenge. Stuff a shoebox full with little joys that will bring hope to a child in a desperate situation.


And to help you face this challenge with all the confidence of a child executive (↑) we’ve pulled together a list of 92 ideas to get you on your way.

School & Art Supplies

Notepads/post its
Colouring books
Markers/crayons
Pencils/pencil crayons
Pencil sharpener
Erasers
Pens
Pencil case
Safety scissors
Glue stick
Ruler
Solar calculator
Self-inking stamp
Water color set and paint brushes
Little crafting kit – beads
Travel sewing kit
Dry erase board & markers
Duct tape
Tape measure

Grooming & Hygeine

Comb
Brush
Dental Floss
Soap (put in plastic baggie)
Toothbrush
Small hand mirror – unbreakable
Colourful bandages
Baby wipes
Wash cloth
Hand towel
Tissues
Emery boards
Nail clippers
Hair ribbons
Ponytail holders
Barrettes
Hairbands
Bracelets
Necklace
Clip-on earrings

Clothing

Hat
Ball cap
Gloves
Bandannas
Scarf
Shoelaces
Sunglasses
Socks
T-shirt
Flip flops
Watch
Plastic poncho in packet

Just for Fun

Individual sealed play-dough
Silly putty
Small stuffed animals or dolls
Inflatable beach balls
Bouncy Balls
Soccer ball (with needle & pump)
Slinkies
Finger puppets
Legos
Jigsaw puzzle
Mini magnetic check board & checkers
Flash cards
Picture books
Bean bag
Hacky sack
Balloons
Toy binoculars
Slipping rope
Paddle ball
Yo-Yo
Harmonica
Tambourine
Kazoo
Toy cars/trucks
Compass
Solar-powered flashlight
Glow sticks
Plastic eating utensils
Toy pots & pans 

And Don’t Forget

to pray for the child who will receive your gift
to add a personal letter and photo of yourself/your family
to include $7 to cover the shipping fees 

Do Not Include: food or candy of any kind, toothpaste, used items, breakable items, decks of playing cards, items that could leak, melt, or freeze (shampoo, creams, lip balm, etc.), items that can scare or harm a child (war-related toys, knives, toy guns, etc.)

Be sure to bring your boxes back to the church by November 8.

Happy packing! 

83 Ideas For Packing Your Shoebox

With the early snowfall it’s hard not to hear the distant jingle of a Christmas bell.  We live in a society of privilege and even now may already be storing away gifts to give our family and friends come that jolly day in December.  So often we take our blessings for granted and forget that much of the world is struggling just to survive.  Operation Christmas Child makes it their mission to see that we don’t forget – that we take a step back from our selfish natures and think of someone else.  This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child who isn’t so lucky as our own children.
The boxes arrived this week and we are encouraging you to take up the challenge.  Stuff a shoebox full with little joys that will bring hope to a child in a desperate situation.  And to help you face this challenge with confidence we’ve pulled together a list of 83 ideas to get you on your way.

    1. Notepads/post its
    2. Coloring books
    3. Markers/crayons
    4. Pencils/pencil crayons
    5. Pencil sharpener
    6. Erasers
    7. Pens
    8. Pencil case
    9. Safety scissors
    10. Glue stick
    11. Ruler
    12. Solar calculator
    13. Stickers
    14. Self-inking stamp
    15. Water color set & paint brush
    16. Little crafting kit – beads
    17. Travel sewing kit 
    18. Dry erase board & markers
    19. Duct tape
    20. Tape measure
    21. Comb
    22. Brush
    23. Dental Floss
    24. Soap (put in plastic baggie)
    25. Toothbrush
    26. Small hand mirror – unbreakable
    27. Colorful bandages
    28. Baby wipes
    29. Wash cloth
    30. Hand towel
    31. Tissues
    32. Chapstick
    33. Emery boards
    34. Nail clippers
    35. Hair ribbons
    36. Ponytail holders
    37. Barrettes
    38. Hairbands
    39. Bracelets
    40. Necklace
    41. Clip-on earrings
    42. Hat
    43. Ball cap
    44. Gloves
    45. Bandanas
    46. Scarf
    47. Shoelaces
    48. Sunglasses
    49. Socks
    50. T-shirt
    51. Flip flops
    52. Watch
    53. Plastic poncho in packet
    54. Individual sealed play-doughs
    55. Silly putty
    56. Small stuffed animals or dolls
    57. Inflatable beach balls
    58. Bouncy balls
    59. Slinkies
    60. Finger puppets
    61. Legos
    62. Jigsaw puzzle
    63. Mini magnetic checker board & checkers
    64. Flash cards
    65. Picture books
    66. Bean bag
    67. Hacky sack
    68. Balloons
    69. Toy binoculars
    70. Jump rope
    71. Paddle ball
    72. Yo yo’s
    73. Harmonica
    74. Recorder
    75. Tambourine
    76. Kazoo
    77. Toy cars/trucks
    78. Compass
    79. Solar-powered flashlight
    80. Glow sticks
    81. Hard candy
    82. Plastic eating utensils
    83. Toy pots & pans

    And to finish it off why not include a personal letter and a photo!

    Be sure to bring your boxes back to the church by November 10.

    Happy packing!