Hi everyone! This weekend I posted a photo on Instagram showing the Christmas shoebox I made and I saw some people got interested. It was then I thought it would be nice to write a post explaining how it works and maybe encourage some of you to join in. ;)
For those who don't know, Operation Christmas Child is the world's largest children's Christmas project. I'm not a member of any church and I don't see this as a religious activity in itself. Despite our believes, I think it's a great idea to help some less privileged children to have a moment of happiness.
I was very lucky to have everything I needed, a very loving family and a happy childhood. And I think this is how it should be for every single child in the world. But unfortunately it's not. So I thought if I could help make at least one child smile this year, I would!
We don't need to fill in forms or anything like that. It's all very simple. Here's a step by step of what you'd need to do:
1. Wrap an empty shoebox and lip separately;
2. Decide if your gifts will be for a boy or a girl and what age group you want to send it to (2-4 / 5-9 / 10-14 yo);
3. Download the age/gender label here (scroll down to B - Boy/Girl? - Get the Label)
4. Mark your chosen age/gender option and stick the label to the top of the wrapped shoebox (as in the photo below);
5. Place the presents inside the box;
6. Pay £3 online for shipping (here). Once you do it, you'll receive an email with a postage label attached. Print the label and put it inside the box, right on top of the presents;
7. You can include a card, a note or even a photo of the family, if you want. I sent a cute Christmas card with my box. I didn't write much because I'm not sure the child will understand English but I thought it'd be a nice touch and something she might like. :)
8. Secure the box with elastic band(s);
9. Take the box to your nearest drop off point (find it here).
All gifts should be new. The charity will give the boxes to children in need, regardless of background or religion.
Gift Suggestions:
Toys: dolls, toy trucks, stuffed animals (with CE label), harmonicas, yo yos, skipping ropes, balls, small puzzles, etc.
School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or felt pens, writing pads or notebooks, solar calculators, colouring and picture books, etc.
Hygiene items: toothbrush and toothpaste, bar of wrapped soap, comb or hairbrush, flannel.
Other items: hat, cap, gloves or scarf, sunglasses, hair accessories, jewellery set, wind up torch, wrapped sweets (sell by date must be at least March of the following year).
Do NOT include: chocolate or other food items; war related items such as toy guns, play soldiers, etc; liquids or lotions including bubbles; medicines; marbles or sharp objects; glass containers, mirrors or fragile items.; clothing other than what I mentioned above.
I decided to do my box for a 5-9 years old girl and here's what I bought her:
For more information, please visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk (Menu: How to Pack a Shoebox).
Collection dates are 1st to 18th November. If you miss the deadline but still want to help, you can build a shoebox online for £15 (here).
1. Wrap an empty shoebox and lip separately;
2. Decide if your gifts will be for a boy or a girl and what age group you want to send it to (2-4 / 5-9 / 10-14 yo);
3. Download the age/gender label here (scroll down to B - Boy/Girl? - Get the Label)
4. Mark your chosen age/gender option and stick the label to the top of the wrapped shoebox (as in the photo below);
5. Place the presents inside the box;
6. Pay £3 online for shipping (here). Once you do it, you'll receive an email with a postage label attached. Print the label and put it inside the box, right on top of the presents;
7. You can include a card, a note or even a photo of the family, if you want. I sent a cute Christmas card with my box. I didn't write much because I'm not sure the child will understand English but I thought it'd be a nice touch and something she might like. :)
8. Secure the box with elastic band(s);
9. Take the box to your nearest drop off point (find it here).
All gifts should be new. The charity will give the boxes to children in need, regardless of background or religion.
Gift Suggestions:
Toys: dolls, toy trucks, stuffed animals (with CE label), harmonicas, yo yos, skipping ropes, balls, small puzzles, etc.
School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or felt pens, writing pads or notebooks, solar calculators, colouring and picture books, etc.
Hygiene items: toothbrush and toothpaste, bar of wrapped soap, comb or hairbrush, flannel.
Other items: hat, cap, gloves or scarf, sunglasses, hair accessories, jewellery set, wind up torch, wrapped sweets (sell by date must be at least March of the following year).
Do NOT include: chocolate or other food items; war related items such as toy guns, play soldiers, etc; liquids or lotions including bubbles; medicines; marbles or sharp objects; glass containers, mirrors or fragile items.; clothing other than what I mentioned above.
I decided to do my box for a 5-9 years old girl and here's what I bought her:
Collection dates are 1st to 18th November. If you miss the deadline but still want to help, you can build a shoebox online for £15 (here).
I don't have children yet but I think this would be a great activity to do with little ones, not only for fun, but also to show them the importance of helping others who don't have as much.
Christmas is coming... Let's share the love! :D
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