It is that time of year.
Operation Christmas Child 2018
Participating in Operation Christmas Child has been a tradition for our family. The boys have enjoyed shopping and filling the shoebox.
This year we made up a box from Sam.
What to pack and not to pack.
This list is so helpful to have when heading out to the store to shop.
Items not allowed:
toothpaste
candy
liquid soap
lip gloss
nail polish
chocolate
and more ... it is important to read over the list so you do not accidentally include something you should not. In years past we have always sent toothpaste and candy. Customs rules have changed.
Boys age 10 to 14 are the age group that most people DO NOT shop for.
We did shopping for this age group.
And what do you get a boy age 10 to 14? Great ideas are the following:
Tool Kits .. we bought a screwdriver, screws, nuts, nails and bolts.
Fishing lures
Soccer balls (deflated with a pump)
Hygiene items:
bar soap
washcloth
toothbrush
comb
tissue
first aid kit
School supplies:
Notebooks
Pencils
Pens
Eraser
Pack it all snug in the box.
You can include a letter and photo of yourself too.
One year we received a letter back from the child who received our box.
One of the most exciting items the kids receive are the toothbrushes. We take toothbrushes for granted, we learned many have to share with family members or do not have one at all.
All ready for delivery .. blessings on the boxes, volunteers that take on the project, delivery and to the child who receives the box.
Merry Christmas
We've done this in the past and it's harder than you think. We just take for granted all the things we have all of our lives. We should do it again this year! Thanks for the early reminder! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project! I am definitely getting in on this! I have the hardest time coming up with ideas but I may just copy yours since they are awesome! Thanks for the ideas!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you mentioned the older boys not being sent as many boxes.
ReplyDeleteIt is so worthwhile to do this and the difference it can make is immense.
Thank You for sharing this x
It's a lovely project. I haven't filled a shoebox in a few years but I do make a donation for them to be filled.
ReplyDeleteYour box looks so good! I would never know what to get a boy. Makes no sense that they can get toothbrushes, but no toothpaste! You were super thoughtful to get boxes for the hardest to shop for group!!
ReplyDeleteI love participating in Operation Christmas Child. My boys used to love it also when they were kids. It is such a great way to give back. I noticed the Hobby Lobby also has a big display about Operation Christmas Child. I hate that toothbrushes and toothpaste have been removed...those are such necessities for some of these kids! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to do, Carla. We used to do that at our previous church before we moved, too. Now, our family adopts a family and delivers "Christmas" to them (food, clothes, toys,games) on Christmas Eve. They do not know they have been adopted beforehand.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing for those boys. You are right- boys that age are the hardest to buy for. xo Diana
Oh Carla how much we are alike. I do the operation Christmas child every year too. We do 4 boxes two girls and two boys. I take my grand girls now and they fill up the boxes and enjoy it. My 8 year old granddaughter Abby is always amazed that these kids like to get tooth brushes, soap, especially soap and tolietries. I tell her each year these are things we take for granted and these are things these kids lack and need. They also love that we can fit in a few fun toys or games too. Just a great way to teach them how lucky they are and how good it feels to do this for other kids in need.
ReplyDeleteHugs and God Bless you.
Kris
What a wonderful gift and care package!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea. We did the Christmas shoe box with our lady church group for years but now I seldom attend the meetings as I've gotten so busy and I have not participated.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
Hugs, Julia
A beautiful project and it is so great to include the kids.
ReplyDeleteSuch a worthwhile thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI love the see the videos of smiles on the children's faces when they open their shoe boxes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful project. The boxes must bring so much joy to the recipient!
ReplyDeleteCarla, this is so wonderful. I can only imagine the faces of the boys who receive such thoughtful boxes...and the smiles on your faces as you put them together. xo
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing project. Thank you for doing this Carla ❤️
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely project.
ReplyDeleteQuite a few of our schools and churches do similar, and I think it's wonderful.
All the best Jan
I think you did a great job with what you packed. I've done Operation Christmas Child for several years. This year, it didn't happen.
ReplyDelete