My Version of the OCC Simple Basic Shoe Box

Hello Packers!

     So, if you are new to Operation Christmas Child, WELCOME! We need as many generous packers like yourself in our organization and greatly appreciate all you have to offer. So, with that being said, I have set out a list of the Simple Basic Shoe Box items that you can use as a foundation for what goes in your shoe box. This is all based on my opinion and don't take it to heart if you haven't included these things or not, this is just what I think would be a good basis for your shoe box goodies.

Hygiene

     Items for hygiene are great in shoe boxes because we don't know if they are able to easily find toothpaste, tooth brushes or for a comb for that matter. Here is a list that I try to include in every box.

-Toothbrush (with a toothbrush case)
-Toothpaste
-Soap
-Wash Cloth
-Comb (Great for both genders)
-Deodorant (for 5-9 and 10-14 kids)
-Chap Stick

School Supplies

     I read somewhere that school supplies are the greatest items to include in a shoe box because these kids sometimes will skip school because they don't have supplies to go and help them learn. Some orphanages only give their kids two pencils to last the entire year. Education is incredibly important to those over here at Shoebox Loving and we love to include as much as we can.

-Notebook (Smaller ones for 2-4 year old children)
-Pens
-Pencils
-Pencil Sharpener
-Erasers
-Crayons

Clothing

     Clothing can make a world of difference to a child. I remember when I was a kid, even now, a new shirt or new pair of jeans made me feel confident and attractive. When a kid gets a new shirt, especially in those conditions, that is a shirt that can make them warm, give them confidence among their friends, maybe give them bravery to go to church and maybe be the one thing that answers their prayers.

-Shirt
-Socks

SOMETHING FUN!

     As we grow older we start to lose sight of all the fun things we enjoyed when we were younger like board games, playing with dolls and stuffed animals but we need to realize that those memories we have...these kids might not have had the opportunity to experience those types of memories yet. Imagine going back to your childhood of playing in dress up clothing and then it just disappearing, it sucks and that's why it is always important that while you include the basics, be sure to include something fun.

-Stuffed animal (for all ages)
-Coloring Book (for all ages)

     Now, like I said, this is the layout for a simple basic shoe box. The rest is up to you as some items are different regarding gender and age group and who knows what God is telling you to include in those boxes. These are just some ideas that I hope you take into consideration during your packing season.

Happy Packing!