Here are the details for preparing your shoe box for Operation Christmas Child.
- Shoe Box. Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most important, pray for the child who will receive your gift.
- Boy or Girl and age range. Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category (2-4; 5-9; 10-14). Pick up a label and mark correctly on 11/9 or on 11/16 (due date).
- Fill with gifts. Fill the box with a variety of gifts (suggestions below).
- Include your donation. Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. Make checks payable to Samaritan's Purse and write Operation Christmas Child in the memo line. Or you can donate online at www.samaritanspurse.org (click EZ Give button). If paying by check please place inside box on top of gifts.
- Return box. Please return your box to our Sunday worship service no later than 11/16.
Gift Suggestions:
- School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
- Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
- Hygiene Items: toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
- Other: hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries).
- A Personal Note: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
- DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans.