Open up a whole new life…
…through the power of a simple gift.
This year, my work is supporting the “Operation Christmas Child” campaign (yey!) where Christmas Shoe Boxes will be collected and delivered to the organisation endorsing the project called Samaritan’s Purse. My link is connected to the Australian site, but this project is also being run in various countries like Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Canada, USA, UK, Hong Kong, Philippines and New Zealand. Search for it in your country to find out how to get involve. :-)Operation Christmas Child has changed the lives of children since 1993, bringing joy and hope to children in desperate situations through gift-filled shoe boxes. It provides an opportunity for people to be involved in a simple hands-on project.
Three Ways to Encourage Participation
1. Inform people they can pack a shoe box (or more) on their own, or as a group.
2. Allow people to donate items to contribute towards a shoe box (that are allowed and that will fit the dimensions of the shoe box). Tell them to send these items to you, clearly stating which age group and gender those gifts are suited for.
3. Let people donate money for the purchasing of the boxes and/or the cost of delivery. It will help create gift boxes for donated items as mentioned above. Excess cash can be donated to the organisation or used to buy more gifts.
How To Pack Your Shoe Box
1. Find an empty shoe box (approx 15 x 27 x 11cm). If the top of the lid of the shoe box is smaller than an A4 paper, the box will be suitable. Gift wrap the lid and box separately. Or purchase the official gift box for approximately 50cents (see photo above).
2. Determine if a boy or girl will receive your gifts. Select the age of the child (2-4 years, 5-9 years, or 10-14 years). Label your box. Include a special note for your child in the box.
3. Fill your shoe box with one or more items from each ‘something’:
3.1 SOMETHING TO LOVE - e.g. teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.
3.2 SOMETHING FOR SCHOOL – e.g. exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, sharpener, eraser, chalk, etc.
3.3 SOMETHING TO WEAR – e.g. t-shirt, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, sandals, thongs, etc. 3.2 SOMETHING FOR SCHOOL – e.g. exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, sharpener, eraser, chalk, etc.
3.4 SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH – e.g. tennis ball, cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, wind up torch, etc. (No battery operated items)*
3.5 SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE – e.g. soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips, scrunchies, etc.(No toothpaste)*
3.6 SOMETHING SPECIAL – e.g. carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, note or photo of yourself.
4. Make sure your gift box with the $9 donation (if not donated online) is dropped at one of the drop off points before October. Your $9 donation covers all project costs including staffing, warehousing and shipping in Australia and New Zealand to our receiving countries.
More Information
What gift items would you suggest for the different age groups?
It’s helpful to ask parents with children of these ages, but suggestion are:
It’s helpful to ask parents with children of these ages, but suggestion are:
2-4 years old: would especially love safe soft toys (no buttons that could be bitten off or cause choking); face washers, soap, toothbrush; but no small hard lollies, marbles or anything that could cause choking;
5-9 years old: would especially love school supplies, toothbrushes, toys such as dolls, balls, toy cars; mind-stimulating items such as solar calculators and musical instruments, paper and pencils; thongs, hats and/or T-shirts
10-14 years old: would be similar to the 5-9 years old, but are also ready for more challenging activities and craft items; girls would especially enjoy pretty dress-up items like hair clips and bangles, boys would especially love active games and gadgets as part of a varied box.
Over 8 million children around the world received shoe boxes last year. This year the boxes from Australia will be sent to South East Asia and the Asia Pacific region.
Please Note:
If we are in the same city, and you have new/unused gifts to spare, but not packing your own gift boxes, feel free to send them to me (by Monday 26th September). I was approved to endorse this at work and I am coordinating the drive so it will definitely be joined with other gifts. I will make sure that together they get sent to at least another child. Thank you :-)).
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