1. SHOE BOX - Start with an empty shoe box (please use a standard size). You may wrap your shoe box with colorful Christmas paper but be sure and wrap the lid separate from the body. OR you may use a plastic container type, no larger than 6 quarts. The bottom of the plastic container can be lined with colorful Christmas tissue paper, a bandana, a tee shirt or a hand towel. (These are additional gifts in your shoe box.) We would discourage using a larger "boot" type shoe box because that adds to the shipping costs for overseas. If you have enough items for a "boot" type shoe box, you have enough items to pack TWO shoe boxes and bless the lives of TWO children.
2. BOY OR GIRL - Decide if your shoe box gift will be for a BOY or GIRL and then the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Please use a pre-printed label designating BOY or GIRL and age from our brochure or download a label at Samaritan's Purse.
3. PRAY - As you purchase items for your shoe box gift, pray for the child who will be the receipent.
4. FILL WITH NEW GIFTS - Please put a variety assortment of gifts inside your shoe box. Some items you might consider:
Hygiene items such as toothpaste and toothbrush, comb, brush or soap and washcloth*
Hard candies*, lollipops*, gum*, sunglasses, ball caps
A personal note from you with your address in case the child may respond
A picture of yourself
*please place your soap and washcloth in a zip lock baggie and your candy in a separate baggie
5. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION - Please include a check for $7.00 (or more) for each shoe box you prepare. This helps to cover the costs of shipping. If you are preparing more than one shoe box, a single check for the total amount may be placed in any of your shoe boxes. OR you may choose to donate on line at Samaritan's Purse. Use the EZ Give option.
6. PRAY - For the child who receives your gift as you put the lid on your shoe box gift for the final time. Please place a rubber band around the closed shoe box.
7. DROP OFF - During National Collection Week November 17-24 at a Collection Center or Relay Center near you. The closest location can be found after September 1, 2008 at www.samaritanspurse.org. by simply putting in your zip code. OR you may send your shoe box any time during the year to: Operation Christmas Child - 801 Bamboo Road - Boone, NC 28607
8. Do NOT include - used or damaged items, war related items (such as toy guns, knives or military figures), any type of food, chocolate (it could melt), any liquids (shampoo or lotions), medications or vitamins, aerosol cans, breakable items (glass, porcelain, snowglobes).
