Create an Operation Christmas Child Gift Box – Collections Begin 11/18!

onlinements 67

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   Deb November 17, 2020 at 7:20 am MST

   Toothpaste and candy are not allowed in OCC boxes.

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   Materof6 November 17, 2020 at 7:23 am MST

   Thanks so much for posting this!!!

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   Happy Aunt November 17, 2020 at 7:35 am MST

   Sometimes fast food kids meals are just the right amount of food for me, so I will save the toys from these meals and put them in these boxes. It’s a win for all of us.

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   Becca November 17, 2020 at 7:41 am MST

   Love doing this with my kids!! Great organization!!!

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   Emily November 17, 2020 at 7:46 am MST

   I love the heart behind this post and these boxes but as someone who lives in Africa most of the time and who has worked in a samaritans purse hospital where these boxes were give to the children who were admitted through the year (Muslim country so they weren’t handed out at Christmas), I would encourage people to really think about what they put in these boxes. You can find toothbrushes and toothpaste almost anywhere in the world. The mad libs are likely going to just be scribble paper because chances are, the kids won’t speak English. Those monkey noodles and squish toys are fun but they will instantly get nasty from the conditions these kids live in and they don’t have water to really clean them a lot of times (I’ve seen these things get instantly dirty in our house that doesn’t have a dirt floor and is mostly clean). I would encourage people that if they are going to pack and send a box to buy some quality items and not dollar tree junk which is what we see a lot. Consider investing in some better quality things that won’t just be thrown out or broken. Also consider if you had no English and had never seen a toy if you would know what to do with it. I’ve been in many homes where a mom has pulled out a box and asked me what some random thing their child got from their sponsor was and then looked at me like I was crazy when I explained it to them. Stuffed animals are almost always a hit, good pens and colored pencils and crayons, clothing items (I’d be cautious about hats and gloves because not all of these get sent to cold places although It would work for some). Also, if you really want to make a difference, find an organization that sources things directly to give to people. They will know what people really need or would cherish and they can buy from local shops which will really make a difference in the onlinemunity. A lot of these boxes incur heavy import fees that local churches have to onlinee out with the money for. Others end up in the wrong hands and I’ve seen people selling them. I do not want to discourage people from doing this because I think it is a way to teach our kids to look outside ourselves to the needs of others but sometimes it beonlinees all about a feel good experience for ourselves and less of a blessing for others so just consider this when packing yours. I love the generous spirit in this group and hope this doesn’t sound negative-I just wanted people to be aware of what this looks like in reality.

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  Cat November 17, 2020 at 7:56 am MST

  That is a really good post, and by finding an organization that purchases items locally, you’ll also be helping their economy. Thanks for your thoughtful post.

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  Kat November 17, 2020 at 8:01 am MST

  Wow! This was an awesome read, thank you for taking the time to write this. I always wonder where they end up and if the kids even like/use what’s in them. We usually do soccer balls with pumps, flashlights with a bunch of spare batteries, a nice water bottle, stationary kits, etc.

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  Emily November 18, 2020 at 1:37 pm MST

  These are great items! I’m sure they are enjoyed and very useful!

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  Michelle B November 17, 2020 at 7:56 am MST

  Really interesting info, Emily. I’m glad you posted it so we can consider.

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  Rose November 17, 2020 at 8:08 am MST

  Thanks so much for sharing!!

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  Kathleen November 17, 2020 at 8:32 am MST

  Thank you for such a clear response! I think many times people don’t think of who will be receiving the boxes, like you said, so this was a great reminder

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  Amber (Hip Sidekick) November 17, 2020 at 9:10 am MST

  Thanks SO very much for taking a moment to share this information! 💖 We truly appreciate it.

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  saraeediger November 17, 2020 at 9:15 am MST

  Yes. We have friends that are missionaries in Africa and they said the exact same thing. They love the heart behind it but unfortunately,where they are at, the boxes are typically taken and the items in the boxes are sold. Very rare that the children get anything out of it and if they do, they mentioned the outrageous amount of money the churches have to onlinee up with to receive them.

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  Lunafalls November 17, 2020 at 11:38 am MST

  Africa is just one of dozens of regions in the world where the boxes get shipped. I’m sure circumstances vary greatly by country.

  I don’t think Samaritan’s Purse would be putting so much effort into this project year after year if MOST of the boxes didn’t end up helping children as intended — Why would they?

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  Rae November 17, 2020 at 9:37 am MST

  You pay the $9. Shipping yourself. By mail or online. It is stated in the instructions. So local churches will not be burdened by this. Yes, I agree about being thoughtful of what you put into the box. 🙂

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  molly November 10, 2022 at 9:51 pm MST

  Perhaps that pays for Samaritan Purse’s expenses to get the box to certain general areas. There may be additional local fees and transport needs once the boxes arrive–hence the observations from those on the ground in these regions. I pay the box fees each year, but I don’t doubt that local churches might also get burdened. This is an eye-opening post.

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  rocme2 November 17, 2020 at 10:52 am MST

  I have to say that I was cringing just from the length of your onlinement because I onlinepletely expected it to be a diatribe…but I’m pleased to say that I was wrong! I love and agree with everything you wrote! Sometimes we have the heart, but we’re still not giving our best and “something is better than nothing” is the wrong attitude. Thank you for reminding us to give purposefully.

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  Brandi November 17, 2020 at 3:45 pm MST

  Thank you for the good information. I did 3 this year and tried to make sure I pack good quality items that would be both wanted and needed. Hand towels which I twisted into teddy bears, soccer balls with pumps, mini barbies (I used magazine pages to make the box look like a dollhouse), mini rubix cubes, fishing sets, harmonicas,etc. I also included solar powered calculators like suggested in the pamphlets but wondered if their number system was different and if they would even be able to use them????

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  Heather September 21, 2021 at 6:01 pm MST

  Hi Brandi! Where did you find the deflated soccer balls and pumps??

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  atank

  A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save onlinemunity hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly onlinements across Hip2Save.online and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to aconlineplish — assisting our onlinemunity to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & onlinements.

  July 18, 2023 at 8:02 am MST

  Amazon usually has them

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  abby-2 September 21, 2021 at 6:29 pm MST

  I agree with what you are saying! I live in Indonesia, and had the opportunity to hand out boxes a few years ago. Sadly, the local church had to pay a lot of money to get the boxes sent to their remote location from the distribution center in the capital city. The boxes had been sitting in shipping containers for several years at that point and we had to go through and throw out anything that was spoiled. Please consider what those are saying who have actually been there and seen how the boxes are received. Yes the kids love presents, but cheaply made trinkets are readily available almost all over the world now, so a little effort into quality rather that quantity goes a long way. Pay the extra dollar for good quality crayons, and simple but strong toys that will translate to a child who doesn’t speak English. Stuffed animals are great, clothing like T-shirt’s or leggings are very appreciated!

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  Lindsey July 19, 2024 at 7:05 am MST

  That is not true. Boxes are passed out with volunteers in country, and they are never asked to pay for them. OCC has a very skilled shipping and logistics team. It may take a few months to get the boxes through customs, but never years. I have first hand knowledge, please let me know if you have any questions!

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  Luna October 31, 2021 at 5:21 pm MST

  I agree. I lived in Latin America for years. Books in English, cheap toys that get broken easily, and toys that are not easily translated to other cultures were all popular. Not great ideas. This is a loving idea but sometimes people do it to give themselves a pat on the back and do not consider other cultures. Just an opinion of a former university student in Latin America.

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  jennifer-83 November 1, 2021 at 7:43 pm MST

  Thank you, I’ve been wondering how helpful these boxes really are.

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  molly November 10, 2022 at 9:46 pm MST

  Wow, thank you. I’ve filled shoeboxes for years with my kids, and this was really informative. Will definitely think about these points when we next give.

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   Karen November 17, 2020 at 7:47 am MST

   This is a great organization, for sure. We participate every year. But just to mention, your local onlinemunities need your help as well, so please check your local food pantry, school district pantries etc. Many are hurting in this trying time. God bless!

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   GAmommyof4 November 17, 2020 at 7:59 am MST

   Thanks for the reminder! My kids look forward to packing a box and sending it every year!

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  Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 17, 2020 at 12:34 pm MST

  How fun and sweet! You’re welonlinee!

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   Kimberly B November 17, 2020 at 8:26 am MST

   I have been doing these boxes since about 1993. They are great.

   I suggest the following items…. HYGIENE: cotton socks, soap, toothbrush, hair ties, onlineb, brush, lip balm, band-aids, wash cloth, and for the older females, washable sanitary femanine pads. In many countries girls stop attending school simply because they have no supplies for their period. I stuff all the small items I can into a small lidded plastic cup or thermous.

   TOYS: Rubix cube, UNO, standard cards, bouncy balls, stuffed animals, beads, charms, pins, stickers, Jacks, marbles, Chineese Jump Rope, Matchbox cars, Slinky. Keep in mind that it will likely go to a country that doesn’t read English, so items like GoFish, or Old Maid, or cards with just numbers are best.

   SCHOOL SUPPLIES: crayons, colored pencils, pencils, erasers, small notebooks, pencil sharpeners, pencil cases, 6″ ruler or protractor.

   I also make a sewing kit with my old Altoid tins and include a pack of sewing needles, some thread, and buttons that I cut off old shirts. It takes up very little space and can be useful.

   I onlinepletely agre with the prior post. Don’t buy cheap dollar items that will break. It would be heartbraking for the child. These countries get enough of America’s garbage without adding to it.

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  Emily November 18, 2020 at 9:00 pm MST

  This is a great list! I especially love the reusable pad idea (as long as there are picture instructions so they know what it’s for). And the sewing kit is genius and useful! And the reusable water bottles-these are hot items. Thanks for sharing!

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   janetnelson November 17, 2020 at 8:31 am MST

   Thank you for posting about OCC! It is such an important ministry that blesses children across the globe! ❤️

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    Amy November 17, 2020 at 8:40 am MST

    I have worked in a processing center many times, and spoken to people who have physically attended distribution trips. The key is to focus on your “Wow” item. One larger, quality thing. Examples are a soccer ball with a pump, a stuffed animal, or a doll. Then add some hygiene items, school supplies, and other small items like plastic utensils, water bottles. I was told by a permanent employee of the organization that something to write on and to write with is essentially the “ticket” for some children to be allowed to attend school. I agree with the above post, do not send anything written in English. The brands and items children here value are not the same as the children that receive the boxes. So trendy fad toys do not translate well. Classic, long-lasting, durable items are bettter.

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    E November 17, 2020 at 10:11 am MST

    We love filling shoeboxes! A girl I nannied for had received one at the orphanage she was at before she got adopted. She said her favorite thing was the hair bows and barretes. My mom and I spent quite a bit of this spring lockdown sewing dolls, dresses, bows and pencil pouches for shoeboxes. Last year I got super cute stuffed animals on clearance after Christmas at Walmart for 75 cents, normally the $3 stuffed animals. After living overseas in Latin America for 5 years, and always hearing how hard it is for families to afford school supplies, we always make sure the boxes have crayons, pens, pencils, etc and some sort of notebook or coloring book.
    Also, look around for local organizations that are helping families out for Christmas this year. I didn’t use any gifts from my gift closet this year because no kids have had birthday parties, so I am clearing it out and donating what I had to a local organization that helps families out for Christmas. Thanks to H2S for all the deals and we are very grateful we haven’t been hit economically by the pandemic so we are able to give back a little more than usual this year!

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    Shona Armstrong November 17, 2020 at 10:52 am MST

    My husband and I were in Nicaragua handing out shoeboxes with Operation Christmas Child. Remember that they don’t speak English in these countries and so games with English words are not great – the most sought after gift was a ball. It allows them to play with others. We put a ball in every box. Crayons and school supplies are super important too – and please don’t put in cheap crayons – the dollar stores ones are terrible – I say that as a school teacher and going on mission trips many times – the treat crayons like gold – so disappointing to get cheap ones.

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    Mommyof4 November 17, 2020 at 12:17 pm MST

    Such joy doing this. You will bless others! It’s the best!

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    Jen Q November 17, 2020 at 12:30 pm MST

    Think DURABLE. Practical and fun. Fun school supplies are such a great idea. We don’t put in crayons though, because it depends where they will be shipped and stored and crayons can easily melt. We try to put in colored pencils and a small sharpener, or even twistable crayons tend not to melt. A sturdy cross-body purse, that folds up small, but opens for bigger items. Cute onlinebs and hair supplies.

    Someone mentioned balls above – soooo true! I was a missionary in a village in Honduras and they had one ball in the whole village and kept it at the school. And when I was there, it was flat and they had no pump to blow it up. Toys that work and will hold up. (So many cheap frisbees or other things out there that aren’t worth shipping when they crack and break in a few days.)

    Expensive items can often be stolen too and create problems that way. Q

    Last tip: minimize packaging materials! If the packaging takes up so much space, there really won’t be room for the items themselves. This is honestly such a wonderful way to share with other countries and give that personal touch to other humans far away.

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  Denver November 18, 2020 at 5:05 am MST

  Yes, please remove all unnecessary packing. You can pack more with the extra space!

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    ksteele293327 November 17, 2020 at 4:38 pm MST

    I got to hand these out in Honduras in 2017. After working in the processing center in Atlanta for several years, it was an amazing experience to be able to actually put a shoebox into the hands of a child and watch them open it with excitement. I absolutely love this organization and thank you for posting.

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    Slw November 21, 2020 at 7:59 pm MST

    I’m super proud of my nieces and nephews! The other day while speaking with them, I ask what they would like for Christmas. I got the normal teenager response “I don’t know”. Jokingly, I said well if you don’t know then, I’ll take the money I normally spend and donate it to kids that don’t get gifts. I was pleasantly surprised they all excitedly said yes can we! So went on-line to Operation Shoebox and built four personalized boxes. As my nieces say “Spread Kindness like Confetti!”

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    T September 21, 2021 at 7:07 am MST

    I was able to donate a whole bunch of new kids items to an organization for foster children. They hand out gifts for them for the major holidays and birthdays. This was for one in my local area.

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    MommySpendsLess September 21, 2021 at 8:49 am MST

    Those of you who have handed them out personally – are they really freely given as a treat with no strings attached?
    I remember filling boxes for years when I was a child in GS but I have sought out other giving opportunities to do with my daughter after reading somewhere that the boxes were filled with religious pamphlets and children had to agree to convert to a particular religion in order to receive one. That could have easily been incorrect so I’m trying to find out what really happens from people who have been there. Please don’t use my onlinement to start a debate.

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  Luna October 31, 2021 at 5:32 pm MST

  There is a highly religious onlineponent that I have seen from personal experience. A lot of preaching. I did not see and conversions required. Just my experience.

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    SueJo September 21, 2021 at 12:41 pm MST

    Thank you Hip2Save for this wonderful post! This organization holds a special place in my heart and like many others, I delight in purchasing items for, and assembling my boxes. My family and I have also traveled to the warehouses and have volunteered our time on many Black Fridays, working in these warehouses to prepare the boxes for shipment. The reason I love this ministry is because when I was in 2nd grade, my home was destroyed by a hurricane. While in temporary housing, my family received a box of donated items (from another organization) that contained essentials and also some fun items. But what really struck me most, was not what was in the box, BUT that someone cared enough about me and my family to take the time to purchase and assemble that box and gift it to my family in our time of need. Someone that didn’t even know me or my family – a onlineplete stranger! And as a little girl living in America (not a third world country, mind you) that made me feel loved and valued. So I encourage anyone who wants to participate, to put yourself in a small child’s place when making your purchases, assemble with love, and the recipients and their families WILL feel loved and valued, all because a stranger far, far away took the time to show that they care.

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  Amber (Hip Sidekick) September 21, 2021 at 1:15 pm MST

  You’re SO very welonlinee, SueJo! Thank YOU for taking a moment to share your story with us! 💖

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    Lolie October 31, 2021 at 5:46 pm MST

    We love doing this. And I find it cool you can track the box now.

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    Wvwfufan October 31, 2021 at 6:24 pm MST

    Love, love, love this! We packed over 1000 boxes this year.

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    Danette October 31, 2021 at 6:42 pm MST

    Kohl’s $5 stuffed animals great choice for wow item.

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    Laura October 31, 2021 at 7:04 pm MST

    I do the $25 online box on the site. A great way to give a box and you get to pick your choices.

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    mhdz October 31, 2021 at 8:02 pm MST

    Thank you so much for posting this again. My sister and I were interested in putting together some boxes but I couldn’t find where I had saved your post. There are so many good ideas. Thank you!

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    Louanne Knupp October 31, 2021 at 8:08 pm MST

    Thank you, Hip2Save for sharing this opportunity with your onlinemunity! Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful opportunity to change a child’s life! ❤️

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    Mollie November 1, 2021 at 4:02 am MST

    If this is your first time, where do you get the information about where to send these boxes to?

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  Amber (Hip Sidekick) November 1, 2021 at 10:15 am MST

  Hi Mollie! You can click through the link above to find a drop off location near you OR order online and have them sent out that way. Hope this helps!

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    Helene November 11, 2022 at 8:38 am MST

    Thank you for the post. My son’s 3rd grade class is doing this as a service project due Monday and wasn’t sure what was best to put in box. It’s a nice activity to do with your children to make them more grateful this year.

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  Amber (Hip Sidekick) November 11, 2022 at 8:42 am MST

  You’re very welonlinee, Helene! Glad this list is helpful! 🥰

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    Jeanette--- November 11, 2022 at 9:26 am MST

    I can’t love this post enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Samaritan’s Purse helps in so many ways (america and worldwide) Thankful for their heart to reach out to those who need it most…

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    Denver November 12, 2022 at 12:02 pm MST

    As someone who has packed shoe boxes for several years, I have some observations. Why is everyone bashing Dollar Tree? They have some decent things to give as “GIFTS” – remember these shoe boxes are “GIFTS” and not “AIDE.” Dollar Tree was good enough for my son (now 25) and surely it is “GOOD ENOUGH” for a stranger, living across the world: Dollar Tree has some very nice “mini” UNO card packs for the older kids, by the way. Toys in general, are not meant to last forever, they get used and yes, discarded, even in 1st world countries. Yes, I like quality over quantity, but someone mentioned $25 spending online at the Samaritan’s Purse store (or OCC Amazon store.) These sites are convenient but very expensive (Especially in this economy!) As someone, who packs hundreds out of my house, $25 (plus $10) is not very practical (and that is why I am on HIP2SAVE. I need to price most items around 25 cents (give or take.) The local Family Dollar/Dollar Tree in my rural town had marked down their summer clearance to 50 cent clothing ($1 for licensed stuff); 50 flip flops and $1 shoes. $1 licensed hat/sun glass/mitten sets. My boxes will be heavy in clothing this year. As far as English printed items, kids use their imagination, and there are English speaking people around – like missionaries. As a child, I had a fascination with other cultures and languages and I don’t believe I was unique in that aspect. I liked to look at the pictures, even if I could not understand how to read or the text. Yes, one could send the money directly to a local organization, for someone else to determine how it was distributed. The beauty of the shoe boxes, is that YOU determine the contents, not a onlinemunity leader or whomever. Maybe not all the boxes get through to the children (some being stolen, as suggested.) That is why packers are encouraged to pray for their boxes and the recipients. Yes, sometimes I feel that some packers back the shoe boxes for themselves (themed shoe boxes, anyone?) Do impractical gifts get sent? Yes, of course. Good observation in onlinements: Expensive gifts can create resentment, jealousy and other problems too. I see “well-intentioned” people crafting items, that I consider cringe-worthy or impractical, but I have to remind myself, that this is a “GIFT.” I also will include “used” items in “like-new” condition (many people do this with stuffed animals – think Beanie Babies) and I encourage others to do the same (if you pack in quantity….If you only send one box, never mind…….) In my world, I would never spend $5 on a stuffed animal at Kohls.Many will disagree with this, but to each their own. I have volunteered in the warehouse several times, and I know what a good box looks like. I encourage everyone to volunteer, at least once.

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    Jeanette--- November 6, 2023 at 7:59 am MST

    Love this

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    Kelly November 6, 2023 at 2:11 pm MST

    Love this program. My daughter has done it for several years and got her brothers to jump in too. This year she made it her goal to do 100 boxes. She ended up with 102!!! Her bedroom was onlinepletely full of boxes. She puts so much thought into each box and pours her heart into it. Due to circumstances beyond her control she was unable to work for 2 years. So she dipped into her savings. She told me, Mom, they have nothing, I can certainly give up some of my things that I can do without or wait on. So proud of her and her heart!!!

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  Jessica (Hip Sidekick) November 6, 2023 at 2:23 pm MST

  So very sweet and thoughtful of your daughter to participate in this mission – and that more family members are getting involved too, Kelly. ❤️ Very cool that she surpassed her goal! 🙌

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    Justin Roberts November 9, 2023 at 8:07 am MST

    I think it’s a great program this one. The world should think more in the ones who need it most.

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    **Lisa** November 13, 2023 at 12:26 pm MST

    We just got done filling a dozen boxes. Thanks for the post. Our drop location is right around the corner. Perfect! Headed there soon.

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  Jessica (Hip Sidekick) November 13, 2023 at 12:36 pm MST

  You’re welonlinee! Great to hear you filled several boxes for this mission, Lisa! ❤️

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    Jeanette November 13, 2023 at 7:52 pm MST

    love this post!!!

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    Katie November 14, 2023 at 7:19 am MST

    I looked to see what age they need more of and it was for kids age 10+. So we did 4 boxes for girls 10+. I ordered a 7 pack of reusable pads with a wet bag and then bought a stick laundry soap to go with each. I read these were highly valued because feminine products were not easily had in all countries and in some girls have to sit out of school that week each month. I also chose bags they could use and nice name brand pencils, pens, colored erasable pencils, markers and crayons. Make sure if you put pencils- even when they onlinee pre-sharpened, to include a pencil sharpener. I put so many types because you never know if this will be shared with siblings so I wanted to have a variety. I purchased the same brands I do for my kids. Each box was about $30 to fill (the reusable pads were $15 each pack) but this is one of the things we do each year. I would rather do less number of boxes and have quality items. I believe under age 4 is also boxes that they do not get a lot of.

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  Amber (Hip Sidekick) November 14, 2023 at 7:57 am MST

  Such thoughtful items, Katie! 🤗💞 Thanks for sharing how you put yours together and why you chose certain products.🙌 Super helpful to know!

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    Jessie July 19, 2024 at 5:01 pm MST

    Quick question, why do we have to pay $10?

    Make a $10 donation to receive a label to attach to your box. You’d think there would a contact to get names thru?

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  Trish (Hip Sidekick) July 19, 2024 at 5:23 pm MST

  Hi Jessie! I found these details about the donation if helpful 💕 – To make sure your shoebox gift gets to a child of the right gender and age, Samaritan’s Purse offers some different label options. Labels also offer a way for you to give the necessary $10 donation per shoebox to provide for collection, processing, shipping, and other project costs.

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