August Fields

operation christmas child. time to fill a shoebox (or plastic container).

it’s that time of year again!  we get to fill up shoeboxes (well actually we use plastic containers now) and send them off through

the goal this year is to reach the 100 MILLIONTH box since 1993.

please check out our informative posts from last year on

NOVEMBER 12-19,  2012  
are the drop off dates.  so make sure you have your boxes filled by then.

this is a great time of year to really focus on others.  i like that this happens quite a bit before the “hustle and bustle” of the Christmas season.  the kids and i love to shop for all the fun items that will go into the containers!

here we are at target just today.  the sterelite containers are on sale for .92 each!

dancy found a package of combs that we can split up and pack into each box.

we also found these plastic, zip bags with a toothbrush and toothpaste inside.  they were by the travel size items.

we also picked up a multi pack of washcloths and deodorant from target…the rest we’ll head to the dollar store for.

for items like:  stickers, pad of paper, soap, small cars, balls, jump ropes, crayons etc.

i recommend using a plastic container so that the child who receives it can use the container for something useful (storage, transporting water etc.).

how does this work?  EASY!!

1.  Pack a Box

2.  Drop off your Box and a designated location.

they even have a pinterest board full of shoebox ideas.  for all you crafty mamas and kiddos.

have FUN with this.  show your children what JOY is to be had by giving to OTHERS!!

TWEETERS:  use the hashtag #OCC100M  to follow the excitement of reaching 100 million boxes.

Operation Christmas Child: Fill a Shoe Box! part 2

See our first post about filling a shoebox here.

For complete instructions and more insight to the purpose of filling a shoebox please visit

you still have time to fill up your shoeboxes!  
November 14-21 is Collection Week. 
Samaritan’s Purse website will help you find a place locally to drop them off.
we switched to plastic containers after one of my readers commented that plastic containers can be reused by the recipient of the gift.  these are sterilite containers from target and were $1.49 each.  

the kids absolutely loved this project!

hank is showing you how to double bag all candy.  i’m pretty sure picking out the candy was his favorite part.

5 boxes ready to go!

Each box needs a $7.00 donation (which is so minimal when you think about the impact).  we chose to donate our $35.00 online and Samaritan’s Purse emailed me a confirmation with barcoded labels attached.

I tape the appropriate label to each box and the barcode will be scanned and tracked so we know where our boxes go!

how cool is that??!

here is one of our “boy” boxes.
stickers, ball, washcloth, harmonica, cars, markers, combs, candy, tissues, paper, toothbrush/paste, crayons, jump rope, jacob’s ladder, chinese yo-yo, socks

here is one of our “girl” boxes.
doll, candy, washcloth, hair clips, socks, toothbrush/paste, wand, harmonica, jump rope, tissues, tiara/wand, markers, crayons, paper, jacob’s ladder, chinese yo-you, pony, combs, ball, stickers

fill a shoebox!

operation christmas child: fill a shoebox!

How to fill a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child

do you fill shoeboxes?

if you have never filled a shoebox we would love for you to join our family this year!

i am going to do a series of posts that show how and why we fill our shoeboxes.

but hear this:  they need to be ready for your local drop off  NOVEMBER 14-21!

for all the information right from the organization checkout and save the following website:

we are filling five shoeboxes with toys, candy and toiletries to be sent to children around the world.
this has been such a great way to prepare our hearts as we head into the season of Christmas.
to fill a shoebox you need:
1.  a standard size shoebox or small plastic container similar in size
2.  decide if you want to fill a shoebox for a boy or a girl
3.  choose an age range 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14
go out with your children and start choosing small items that fit the criteria.
some of the items we’ve purchased so far:
socks
combs
stickers
small ball
jump rope
individually wrapped hard candy 
hair clips
toothbrush/toothpaste 
crayons
markers
pad of paper
some items we have yet to purchase:
small cars and trucks
small dolls
tshirts
we’re just getting started so there is plenty of time!  will you join us??  
“go, fill a shoebox!”