Christmas shoeboxes are a fun and loving way to show kindness to a underprivileged child this Christmas!
Operation Christmas Child is an appeal run by Samaritan's Purse during the month of November each year, which provides Christmas presents for children in underdeveloped countries. This means that for some children, these are the only presents they will receive this year and in some cases, the only gift they have received in their life.
You may have taken part in this appeal back in your school days, or during your time at children's church, however the need for Christmas shoeboxes is as great today as ever. That's why every year I take great joy in carefully packing a shoebox and more recently, began helping out in the processing centres that check each box before they are sent off to be loved by children worldwide!
Packing a shoebox is fun and easy! All you need is a shoebox (or a box of a similar size) an age/gender label, and a willing heart - then, you are ready to start filling your boxes!
Here is what I packed in my November 2022 shoebox for a boy in the 5-9 category. I hope you're able to get some ideas. Happy packing!
Shoebox Contents
When shopping for items, I divide my list into categories, this helps me plan what to buy and ensures I am covering a range of items (from practical to fun!)
School Supplies
A4 notebook
Colouring book
Activity books
Stickers
Sticky notes
Chalk
Wax Crayons
Pencil Case (see contents below)
Many children are without basic school supplies. Including notebooks and a pencil case is a great way to ensure the child is equipped for school! Most of these can be purchased in bulk packs from Poundland.
Stationary shopping is so much fun!
Here are some ideas on what to include in your pencil case:
Pens
Marker Pens
A Folding Ruler
A multi-coloured Retractable Pen
A Glue Stick (No liquids)
An Eraser/Sharpener
Geometry Set
Hygiene
Soap with soap box
Stick of deodorant (no gel/sprays)
Flannel
Toothbrush and toothbrush case/head cover
Comb
Lip balm
Mirror
Hygiene storage bag
Tissues/Wipes
You can read heart-warming 'Shoebox Stories' on the Samaritans Purse website. I will never forget the story of the little girl who's favourite gift that year was a toothbrush. She had previously shared one with nine other girls in the orphanage. What we might consider as a boring or basic gift could mean the world to a child. Never underestimate the basic hygienic essentials!
Accessories
Hat
Scarf
Gloves
Socks
Water Bottle
Sunglasses
Torch
Many children will be receiving their boxes during the cold winter season, adding cosy accessories will be a joyful and welcomed surprise for the child! These can be bough in packs in shops such as Poundland and Home Bargains for as little as £1!
Toys
Deflated Football & Pump
Mini games: Snakes and ladders, Connect 4, Jenga
Cuddle toy
Bouncy ball/tennis ball
Frisbee
Yo-yo
Helicopter launcher/shooter
Musical instrument
Cars
Jigsaw puzzle
Don't forget to add some fun toys to your box! Games that can include other children are always a great idea!
Once you have packed your shoebox, head over to the Samaritans Purse website to donate and follow your box. The suggested donation is £5 which contributes towards the processing and shipping of your box. Once donated, you will receive a barcode, which you will print and place inside your box. This will be used to inform you where your box ended up! (They usually tell you around February). You can also find your local shoebox 'drop-off' point on their website.
If you're unable to fill a physical shoebox, or have missed the drop-off deadline, you can still pack an online shoebox: SEM Landing (samaritans-purse.org.uk)
Shoeboxes are not only a great way to ensure a child gets a present this Christmas, but they also show children the universal joy of love and kindness!
Watch how I pack my shoebox on my TikTok: (2)ATouchOfKindness (@atouchofkindness.22) | TikTok