How to Pack a Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child

Packing a shoebox for the Operation Christmas Child program, as any volunteer or former participant can tell you, is one of the most rewarding and selfless charity activities an individual can take part in during the holidays. The program literally sends shoeboxes stuffed with toys, candy, and basic necessities to impoverished children around the world at Christmas time. While the basic concept is to give these children the chance to receive a Christmas gift, many more privileged volunteers suffer from the misconception that packing an Operation Christmas Child shoebox means giving a child in extreme poverty the same kinds of gifts they would buy their own children. Unfortunately, many of these children cannot appreciate what might catch your own child's eye. What many of them are hoping their shoebox will contain would represent a mere basic necessity to your own child. To better understand how to properly pack your shoebox, read on.

First, do understand that, while the child receiving your Christmas shoebox will most certainly be in dire need, he/she also deserves his/her fair share of toys and fun as well. While you may be tempted to fill the box with necessities, be sure to include fun, easily shipped items as well. Items such as coloring books, crayons, small dolls, toy cars, and stuffed animals do nicely. Never include any toys that require batteries. Once those first batteries die, it is highly unlikely that the child will be able to purchase more.

Next, address issues of hygiene and health with your Christmas shoebox gifts. A toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and a comb are simple items that these children often have trouble accessing. Do not, however, include anything that might constitute medication or vitamins. Yes, these children often do without simple medications for pain relief and other everyday problems, but the Operation Christmas Child program will not allow these products to be shipped in shoeboxes due to international laws, shipping violations, and the dangers posed to the children. Travel-sized basic hygiene items work well.

Next, be careful about sending food or candy in your shoebox. Indeed, these children are in need of better food, but there is only so much you can provide in the small space of a shoe box. Double wrap any hard candy you want to provide that will withstand international shipment, and keep the quantity reasonable. Food items are not allowed, would not last, and would waste valuable space.

Next, try to understand the daily difficulties these children face in the process of bettering themselves. Many aid programs have been developed to provide them with a chance to get an education, but most of these children do not have backpacks to carry their books in, pens and pencils to write with, paper to write on, real shoes to travel dirt paths with (many get by either with flip-flops or barefoot), or decent clothing to enter a school house with. Slipping a pair of shoes, a notebook, a pack of pencils, a small backpack or tote bag, or anything that might help with education would be a blessing. In fact, your few items might make the difference between a child being able to go to school or choosing to stay home.

Finally, be sure to pack quality items in your Operation Christmas Child shoebox. These children will likely go at least a year before receiving any more gifts of this nature. Keep that in mind as you decide what to provide your sponsored child with. While quantity does count, quality is equally important. Be sure that your shoebox is filled with items that will provide health and happiness for a long time.