How to Pack a Christmas Shoe Box for Donation to a Children's Missions Organization Charity Program

This is a wonderful early Thanksgiving activity for the family, a way to begin the Holidays by reinforcing values such as thankfulness and gratitude for simple things. Many religious non-profits collect and deliver Christmas Shoe Boxes to children in border town poverty areas or foreign country orphanages. There are practical and political do's and don'ts rules that apply when selecting items for filling your donation box.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic shoebox with a "stay in place" lid
• School supplies
• Soap, washcloth, comb
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toys
• Plastic "Flip-Flops"
• non-melting candy
• Holiday wrapping paper and card [optional]
• a few dollars for shipping cost

1. 
    
   Plastic Shoe Box with Lid

   Most charities ask donors to complete boxes before mid November [to allow time for shipping] so purchase your Christmas Shoe Box in early Fall. Then let the whole family join in the fun collecting NEW filler items to delight a needy child.

2. 
    
   bordertown home in Mexico

   You may line the bottom and lid of your plastic box with holiday paper; but that may increase the likelihood of the entire shipment being delayed for inspection by customs. [Note - Do not individually wrap the box or any items packed into the box.] The plastic container is a valued part of the gift for a child who owns very little and lives in a dirt floor home.

3. 
    
   Flip-flops

   Put the flip-flops in the box.

4. 
    
   Basic Hygeine Items

   Add the soap, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other basic hygiene item such as a comb or brush. [Seal up the soap in a zip-type bag to prevent contamination of other items with soap smell.] No medicines are allowed! Most of the children live in homes without running water so keep it simple.

5. 
    
   School Supplies

   Add school supplies. No sharp scissors.

6. 
    
   Toys

   Add toys. No knives, no guns, no military or war related items. No battery powered items. No chemicals/science kits. No glass items or porcelain baby dolls. Yes bouncy balls, toy cars, plastic doll, jump rope...

7. Add CANDY! Individually wrapped is best. No melting types -- i.e. no chocolate bars, thin mints, or goo filled varieties! Yes peppermints, candy canes, salt-water taffy, red hots...

8. Add a holiday card signed by your family. [This is optional.]

9. Close box but do not tape shut. Do not wrap. You may keep it shut with a rubber band, if desired.

10. Add a note for the charity organization, telling the average age and gender of the child for whom the box was packed and donated.

11. Add a few dollars to help offset the shipping costs of the charity organization sending the boxes.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the charity organization for their specific checklist and box tags.
• Some organizations have volunteers willing to purchase and pack boxes for you if you would rather just donate a specific amount. Just ask.
• Perhaps you have more time than money, and you would like to volunteer to pack boxes. Ask.
• Be respectful of other cultures and border custom rules and follow the charity organizations checklist. Having all 300+ boxes impounded by a foreign government because one box donor found a rule "silly" defeats the purpose of the mission.
• Do NOT pack containers with liquids or any perishable items.

Resources

• Operation Christmas Child video
• An Organization that helps improve conditions in Mexico Bordertowns
• YouTube - Homes for the Homeless in Mexico Bordertowns
• YouTube - Mission Trip to Mexico -a building homes trip

[reluctantexpert]

on 11/11/2009 Beginning last year, the charity I usually donate through switched from requesting plastic shoeboxes to gallon size zip-lock storage bags.

[Alisiane]

on 10/9/2008 My church takes part in this every year - really keeps you focused on being a giver and not getting obsessed with getting. Also an amazing way to instill a charitable heart into kids by helping them realize there are people who don't have half of what they do.

[brandy1123]

on 9/26/2008 great article our church has this every year it is really a blessing to these children

[Psalmist4M]

on 9/19/2008 Cool stuff, this is always so much fun. Thanks for the bonus ideas and great tips. 5*s