Each January, a lot of people set aside one large tote for the next Operation Christmas Child project. This plastic bin sits in one of our closets, and we add to it all throughout the year.
Around here, we are firm believers that it is absolutely acceptable to re-gift! At birthdays, holidays, etc. my kid receives an unbelievable amount of stuff, and encouraging them to share some of their bounty serves as a great teaching opportunity. Too many stocking stuffers? An overwhelming number of Easter basket fillers? We like to pass some of those goodies along to other kids!
Operation Christmas Child is a charitable initiative organized by Samaritan's Purse, where individuals and groups fill shoeboxes with gifts and essentials to be distributed to children in need around the world. The goal is to bring joy and share the love of Christmas with children who may not otherwise receive gifts. When packing an Operation Christmas Child box, it's important to include a balance of practical and fun items. Here are some suggestions:
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Toys: Include small toys such as dolls, cars, balls, puzzles, yo-yos, jump ropes, stuffed animals, or building blocks.
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School Supplies: Pens, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, erasers, sharpeners, and other school essentials can be incredibly helpful for children's education.
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Hygiene Items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, washcloths, and hairbrushes are important items that promote good hygiene.
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Clothing and Accessories: Socks, hats, scarves, gloves, T-shirts, and hair accessories are practical additions.
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Non-Liquid Toiletries: Avoid liquids or items that could leak and ruin other contents. Instead, opt for solid deodorants or soaps.
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Candy and Treats: Individually wrapped candies or small snacks can bring some extra joy during the holiday season.
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Art Supplies: Colored pencils, drawing pads, and stickers can encourage creativity and self-expression.
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School Bags or Totes: A small backpack or cloth tote bag can be used to carry the items and have practical use for the child.
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Cloth Face Masks: Given the global situation, including cloth face masks could be helpful.
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Personal Note or Photo: Consider adding a personal note or a photo of yourself or your family. It adds a special touch and lets the child know someone cares.
When packing the box, it's important to keep in mind the age and gender of the child you intend to send it. Additionally, it's best to avoid including items that may be considered culturally inappropriate or potentially harmful. Before sending your box, check Samaritan's Purse website or local drop-off locations for any specific guidelines or restrictions.
Lastly, remember that it's not just the items inside the box that matter, but the thought and love behind the gesture. Your small act of kindness can bring joy and hope to a child in need during the holiday season.
Packing school supplies for children in third-world countries can make a significant difference in their education and future opportunities. Access to basic school essentials can empower these children to learn, grow, and break the cycle of poverty. When packing school supplies, consider including items that are durable, practical, and suitable for the age group of the children you are aiming to support. Here are some suggestions:
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Pens and Pencils: Provide a variety of pens (ballpoint or gel) and pencils (with extra erasers if possible) to help children with their writing tasks.
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Notebooks and Paper: Include notebooks or notepads in different sizes, along with loose-leaf paper, for children to take notes and complete assignments.
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Erasers and Sharpeners: These are essential tools to accompany pencils and correct mistakes during learning.
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Crayons and Colored Pencils: Encourage creativity by adding packs of crayons or colored pencils for art and drawing activities.
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Rulers and Geometry Sets: Help children with measurements and geometry tasks by including rulers, protractors, and compasses.
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School Bags or Backpacks: Provide durable backpacks or school bags for children to carry their supplies to and from school.
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Calculators: Basic calculators can be valuable for older students, especially those studying math or science subjects.
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Highlighters and Markers: These can be helpful for emphasizing important points and organizing study materials.
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Glue Sticks and Tape: Include glue sticks or small rolls of tape for craft projects and sticking papers together.
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Scissors: Child-friendly scissors can be useful for arts and crafts projects or other classroom activities.
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USB Drives: For older students or those with access to computers, consider adding USB drives to save and transfer digital files.
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Compassion and Encouragement: Include a note of encouragement or a small inspirational message to uplift the children and motivate them to pursue their dreams.
When packing school supplies, keep in mind the specific needs and challenges of the region or country where the supplies will be sent. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid including items that could be inappropriate or harmful. It's always a good idea to work with reputable organizations or charities that have experience in distributing school supplies to children in need.
Remember, your generosity can have a lasting impact on the lives of these children, enabling them to receive an education and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities
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- Volunteer and Engage: If possible, consider volunteering with organizations that work directly with children in third-world countries. Your skills, time, and dedication can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
- Select a medium to large shoe box supplier gift items item such as a soccer ball with a pump or stuffed animal, then fill it with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Don’t forget to also include a personal note and photo—sometimes these are the child's favorite things to receive!
- Crayons and Colored Pencils: Encourage creativity by adding packs of crayons or colored pencils for art and drawing activities.