Operation Christmas Child
With it being the end of September, that means it's getting closer to Christmas and making Operation Christmas Child (OCC) boxes. This will be the second year that I have personally participate in this project. My mom has been doing it for several years and I've helped her with it.
It's really a great project to get involve with. OCC is with Samaritan's Purse which is an organization started by Franklin Graham. Churches and families fill shoe boxes with items that children need or might want and then have shipped out throughout the whole world.
This year marks 20 years of people changing children's lives. They've sent boxes to more than 100 million boys and girls over 130 countries! Just reading some of the stories from the children who have received a box is just amazing and shows how God works through people.
I'm looking forward to packing our boxes this year. I've been purchasing things throughout the year, but in a few weeks I'll be going with Michael to go and get items that he wants to put in his box. As of right now, I have not heard about any special locations giving out the Go Boxes. Churches that participate in this, will more than likely have the boxes in a few weeks. Last year, I got my boxes from Family Christian. If you can't find a place that is distributing the Go Boxes, you can use a regular shoe box or I've seen some people using the shoe tubs. Here's more information on how to pack a box. OCC is also on Pinterest (click here to see their boards). They have some great ideas on things to make for your boxes. There's even a board on how to make a box on a budget. Here's my board of ideas for packing boxes.
Update - November 3, 2017
Starting this year, the following items should NOT be packed in the OCC boxes: Candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.Last year I did two boxes for boys, one for 2-4 year old and the other for 5-9 year old. Here's the pictures I took of all the items before being packed in the boxes:
2 - 4 year old box:
- 4 Wheelies
- Shampoo (but was probably removed - no liquids are to be put in the boxes, found out after box was packed)
- Toothpaste
- A small stuffed Buzz Lightyear
- Stuffed hungry caterpillar
- Socks
- Toothbrushes
- Jump rope
- Underwear
- Rubber ducky
- Toy camera
- Crayons
- Shampoo (but was probably removed - no liquids are to be put in the boxes, found out after box was packed)
- Toothpaste
- Harmonica
- Stuffed hungry caterpillar
- Socks
- Underwear
- Slinky Jr
- 2 Wheelies
- Toothbrushes
- A little Batman carrying case
- A Yo-Yo
- A Spiderman puzzle with carrying case
- A note pad
Most of the items I got at Target and in their dollar section. I also got some items at Michaels in their dollar section. Here's the pictures of the boxes filled:
I'll make a post later with the two boxes that I'm packing this year. I'm thinking of doing a boy and a girl. I'll also make a post, maybe take some video of Michael shopping for his box. He's going to pack a box for another little boy his age. So far, I've gotten some great deals. Currently, there are some great items in the dollar section at Target, Walmart, Michaels, and Joanne Fabrics.
1 comments
Looks like some great boxes! What a blessing to the children who received them! They definately removed the shampoo at the distribution center before the boxes were sent out. No liquids can be included. This year you might want to include some hard candy and gum (double bagged). Bars of soap, a wash cloth, and pencils (with sharpner) and crayons are also really appreciated by the kids. Enjoy filling your boxes this year! God bless!
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