Shoebox Packing Instructions for Beginners Step By Step

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child .  Information primarily derived from OCC website see link below for more detailed information, video's, free shoebox rescources and more: 

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

 

Welcome to the ultimate step-by-step guide on building a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child! This tutorial will walk you through each stage of the process, ensuring your gift is impactful, meaningful, and filled with love. Let's get started!

 Step 1: Understand Operation Christmas Child

 What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. It collects shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items and delivers them to children in around the world many of whom are suffering extreme poverty, war, and other difficult circumstances.Samaritans Purse partners with local churches to share the good news of Jesus Christ.  The children who attend the event to receive a shoebox will get a box whether or not they elect to go through the discipleship program.

 Why Shoebox Gifts?

Shoebox gifts are a simple, tangible way to show God’s love to children in need. Each gift-filled shoebox is an opportunity to delight a child and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

 Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

 Choose a Shoebox

Start by choosing a standard-sized shoebox. You can use any shoebox or order preprinted shoeboxes from Samaritan’s Purse.

Decide on Age and Gender

Decide whether your gift will be for a boy or girl and select an age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

What to Pack

Here are some items you can include: ( pray and let Jesus lead you as each box will be given to a special child and God will make sure the right box gets to the right kids)

 Toys

- Dolls

- Soccer balls or other types of sports balls as you feel led always include a manual pump and needle or two.

- Stuffed animals

- Toy cars

- Jump ropes

- Yo-yos

- Toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries)

 -Games, card games, puzzles etc. 

All of these items are available at Lion Wholesale: HTTPS://WWW.LIONWHOLESALE.COM ensuring great quality and affordability for your shoebox gifts.

 School Supplies

- Pens

- Pencils

- Sharpeners

- Crayons

- Markers

- Notebooks

- Paper

- Solar calculators

- Coloring and picture books

 Check out our Ultimate School Supply Kit and Crayola Collection at Lion Wholesale for comprehensive and high-quality options. 

https://lionwholesale.com › products › complete-pencil-kit

 Hygiene Items

- Toothbrushes

- Washcloths

- Combs

- Hairbrushes

- Manicure or Pedicure Items

 Accessories

- T-shirts

- Socks

- Hats

- Sunglasses

- Hair clips

- Jewelry

- Watches

- Flashlights (with extra batteries or Solar)

-Simple Tools /Camping Gear ( No knives) 

 We offer a variety of accessories, including sunglasses, hairbrushes, washcloths and solar flashlights/lanterns and survival bracelets  at Lion Wholesale (https://lionwholesale.com).

 Items to Avoid

Certain items are not allowed in shoebox gifts:

- Vaseline®

- Scary items (things that will frighten a child rather than bring joy)

- War-related items (such as toy soldiers, military vehicles, or wearable camouflage)

- Liquid paint sets or liquid glue

- Rubber balls with liquid filling

- Liquid lip gloss

- Matches or fire starters

- Seeds

- Sand/rocks/shells gathered from nature

- All types of food, candy, or gum

- Medications or vitamins

- Toothpaste

- Nail polish

- Money or play money

- Baby powder

- Baking soda

- Razors

- Liquids or lotions

- Breakable items or glass containers

- Aerosol cans

- Used clothing or toys

 Step 3: Pack Your Shoebox

 Fill the Shoebox to the brim with at least a few really good quality items, as this is the only shoebox, and sometimes the only toy the child will ever receive.  Party favors and cheaper items can be fun too, but a really good quality WOW toy is a must.

Place the items you have gathered into the shoebox. Try to include a good mix of toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. Kids also love to get new clothing items and shoes. Let the Lord lead you for each box.

 Label Your Box

Labels are available online when you donate the $10 suggested donation. Print the label and attach it to your box, marking whether it's for a boy or girl and the appropriate age category.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/label-options/

Include a Personal Note

Consider including a personal note and a photo of yourself or your family. Children love to receive messages from the people who packed their gifts. I have read of many children keeping the note or picture well into adulthood as it was so precious to them.

 Step 4: Make a Donation

 Many people like to send Samaritans Purse Wow Toys or Filler Items so that they can fill up boxes that are not packed well or items have to be removed from.  To do this, box up your items, label them "Distribution Center Filler Items" or " "Distribution Center WOW toys" and drop them off at the Drop off locations nearest you.  The collection center can be located by clicking on the link below.  There are over 4500 drop off locations and they will be made available in early October.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/

How to Donate Money: 

The easiest way to donate is online at Operation Christmas Child Donation(https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child).  Alternatively, you can include cash or a check in your shoebox.

 Step 5: Drop Off Your Shoebox

  Deadline

National Collection Week typically occurs in mid-November. Check the Operation Christmas Child website for specific dates.

 Step 6: Pray for the Child Receiving Your Shoebox

 Take a moment to pray for the child who will receive your shoebox. Pray that your gift will bring joy and that the child will experience God's love through your generosity.

 Additional Information

 Global Impact

Shoebox gifts are delivered by volunteers and ministry partners in over 100 countries. These partners are trained to handle the logistics and ensure the gifts are distributed fairly and joyfully.

 Local Influence

Shoebox gifts serve as powerful tools for local churches to reach out to their communities, share the Gospel, and build relationships with families. Local ministry partners tailor distribution events to respect cultural norms and values.

Quality and Support from Lion Wholesale

At Lion Wholesale(https://lionwholesale.com), every single item is procured specifically for shoeboxes, ensuring great quality products at a great price. If you have any questions or need assistance, we are here to help. Visit our website for more information and product selections tailored for your shoebox gifts.

 Packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful way to make a difference in a child's life. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure your gift is impactful, meaningful, and filled with love. Thank you for participating in this global mission to share joy and the message of Jesus Christ with children around the world!