The time to pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child is almost upon us. This year our event will take place on November 17th for high school and November 18th for elementary. We will be doing things a little differently this year, mainly in regard to high school.
This year, we will not be leaving the school to do the shopping. Mrs. Berger very graciously collected OCC-approved items for the students to use to pack their boxes. So instead of spending a whole day (and quite a bit of money!) eating and shopping, each class will be given a time slot to go to Room 109 where all the items will be organized by category on various tables. The kids will go from table-to-table collecting items for their shoeboxes. They will then go back to their designated classroom to pack up the boxes and enclose their pictures and handwritten letters. Please note that if the students have collected some items on their own that they would like included in the packing, they should feel free to include those things as well, as long as they are on the OCC approved list.
The cost to fill and send a box will be $10.00- $7.00 for the shipping label and $3.00 for the items. While Mrs. Berger did an excellent job of finding items at minimal cost, there is still a cost involved. In addition to paying for the items, we also try to cover shipping for those families who simply do not have the $7.00 fee. We don’t want any of our students to be deprived of participating in this worthy mission, so we will do our best to work with those families for whom the $10.00 might be a financial burden. Your child can either bring in the $7.00 shipping fee and we will take care of the label, or you can go on the Samaritan’s Purse website and pay for the label yourself. You would then have to print it out for your student to bring it to school to place on his/her box. Paying for your label online gives you the advantage of being able to track the progress of your package as it travels to its destination. If you choose to purchase the label online, you will still need to send in the $3.00 to cover the other costs.
Please encourage your child to write a letter to place in the box, perhaps with a picture. We know the recipients love to connect a face to the package. We also ask that you pray that the right box will find its way to the right child. There are some amazing stories out there about how a child’s specific need was met with an OCC package.
Thank you for your cooperation and prayers as we seek to glorify the Lord through our endeavors in supporting Operation Christmas Child.
All parents, grandparents, family members are invited to attend!
Money for labels can be brought in the day of packing or you can pay online before packing.
Things to pack in a shoebox:
“Wow” Item
Delight a kid! Start with a medium to large item that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box.
Ideas include: Soccer ball with pump, Stuffed animal, Toys (puppets, trucks, etc.), Doll (baby, Barbie, etc.), Musical instrument, Outfit, Shoes.
Other Suggestions
Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
Non-liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
Accessories: T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.
Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets.
A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
Do Not Include
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; 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.
Candy specifications: During 2016, the following types of candy can be included in shoebox gifts: hard candy, gummy bears, caramels, taffy, and gum—as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, no type of candy can be included in shoebox gifts.
Toothpaste specifications: Toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone.
