How to make Christmas in a Shoebox for Our Military

Christmas is always hard for those who are so far away from home. Our military people right now could use our support and love. Why not show that we care with a special shoe box holiday package?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shoe Boxes
• Christmas wrapping paper
• Scotch Tape and scissors
• Gift Items
• List of Military people and address to send.

1. "Tis the season" for all of us to enjoy the pleasure of giving something special to the one's we love. How about those we love and appreciate that will be away from home serving their country? This is a very good group project! Approach your group with the project and I am sure they will be very enthusiastic about sending presents to those who are in Iraq or other far eastern countries. First find the right group.

2. Contact your local Red Cross or Veterans Club to get a list of military personnel that will give you and your group an idea of how many shoe boxes you will need. Then go to your local shoe stores and ask for shoe boxes for the project. Make sure that all the boxes are the same size and shape not to big for the items you are planning on sending nor to small.

3. The items that you send should start with a Christmas Card signed by everyone in the group letting the receiver know who you are and that you care. Visit your local motels, resturants, and grocery stores asking them for freebee's to include in the gift box. Items such as shave creme, shampoo's, body lotions, etc can be accessed freely from your local business people. Gather as much as possible in sample items that will fit inside the box. The next thing can be a group effort or if a kitchen is not available done at home and brought the night the package is being assembled. We suggest here that your group make peanut brittle or a hard candy to include in your gift box.

4. The day or evening you plan on assembly and filling your shoe box make sure that all boxes have been gift wrapped and the lids wrapped separately to be attached after the box has been filled. Remember things like pen and paper are very much appreciated! Fill the boxes with your goodies including the candy which should be individually wrapped. Include if possible extra Christmas candies like candy canes, always hard candy. Then close the shoe boxes and tape the tops securely. Make sure that you have a larger box or boxes depending on how many shoe boxes you are sending that are addressed with bubbles for mailing. Place your shoe boxes inside add your bubbles, seal and address. I am sure you will find that you have a good feeling and so will the people in the military who are receiving your gift of love.

Tips & Warnings

• Acquire a list of no no's from the Red Cross.
• Acquire a list of the most wanted and/or needed items.
• The card is great but individual notes etc. is deeply appreciated.
• A Christmas CD is often welcomed but not required.
• Do not send Chocolate or Carmels as they melt and will ruin your package.
• Do not send items made of metal or batteries.
• Do not send any item depicting any special religion, just the seasonal.

[trailman]

on 11/8/2009 While I appreciate the PC approach by not sending items depicting a "special religion," CHRISTmas still is a religious holiday.

I'm sure the troops will not be offended if the Christmas Gifts, Christmas Cards, Christmas CD's, Christmas Candy or Christmas Decorations you send have a religious theme.

OPERATION SHOEBOX, PO BOX 1465, Belleville, FL 34420
will send items directly to the troop for you. Check their website for suggestions and directions.

[profshirley]

on 11/25/2007 Great Way to send to our military anytime of year for any Holiday!

[profshirley]

on 11/25/2007 Great Way to send to our military anytime of year for any Holiday!