Changes for my 2017 Boxes

Hello Packers!

     This year is going to be an interesting year for me for the boxes for 2017 because I have put a limit on myself this year...let's see how well I stick to it. This year I am limiting my boxes and will only be doing 30 boxes. I will be focusing on the boys mostly this year with a whopping 14 (10-14) Boy boxes, 1 (5-9) boxes, 3 (2-4) boys. Then 9 (10-14) girls, 1 (5-9) girl, 2 (2-4) girls. 

      What I'm doing differently this year is making more items for my boxes by hand and hoping that I will be able to reach that goal by the end of the packing season. I have been making scarves for the boxes since December and I have a long while till I have 30 scarves prepared as well as 30 hats ready as well. I'm contemplating giving two hats per box but still, as I have no idea how the boxes will look this year, I will just prepare with that thought in mind. 

     So far, I must say that I have some changes that I'm making to my boxes this year as a result of the block on candy as well as toothpaste this year on. With the money I would have spent on candy or on toothpaste, I went a bit all out on the soaps this year and will be giving each child a 7 oz bar of soap that was made right here in the United States. Each soap smells absolutely heavenly and that is something that I remember reading on another blog. The children loved the smell of the soaps because what they are used to doesn't have a scent or smells more like animal fat. I think that with as much money that I spent on toothpaste and candy last year, I think that it is more than okay for me to splurge a little bit on these necessary items. Last year I sent every child a 3.2 oz or so bar of soap that smelled clean but never really had a fruity or interesting scent. This year, the scents I'm sending smell like almond and honey, cucumber melon, and a lemon-herb scent.

     Another aspect to my boxes that I will be changing this year is the amount of school supplies I pack in the boxes. Last year toward the end of the season I started giving children 10 pencils and 6 pens, this year I will be giving each child 10 pencils and 10 pens as I know what it is like to not have that many pencils or run out of my favorite pen so in hopes of them being able to make them last, I'm giving 10 of each. I will also be including full size coloring books opposed to the thin free ones I got last year. Why? Well, to be honest, it's a combination of reasons. 1. I found them all on sale for $0.50 each this year and they are all the recycled paper kinds which is something I just love. 2. My grandmother has a woman and her two 10-16 year old children living at her house. On Christmas, they ran up to my grandmother's portion of the house and were overjoyed by what my grandmother gave them: dollar store trinkets and coloring books. These kids never really had a big Christmas before either and to know that they were overjoyed by something as simple as a coloring book, and this is coming from children in the United States, is just a reminder that kids in that age group will be pretty excited to find one too.

     My boxes this year will be relatively gender neutral for the most part but there will be a few distinct differences that will make one box for a girl and the other for a boy. One aspect that I want to tell you all about now so that you can maybe think about it for your own boxes is the inclusion of a hair brush. I know that on certain blogs it says not to include hairbrushes and to just include combs but here is my reasoning. 1. Not all boxes are headed to African nations where girls shave their heads. My boxes went to the Philippines in 2015 and they are allowed to have long hair there. 2. Even if it does go to a girl whose head is shaved, brushes can be used for multiple things and can be used to brush the fur of her stuffed animal or her pet/farm animals if she needs to.

     This year will definitely be different for my shoe boxes but the thoughts and prayers are still the same. I hope you are all enjoying your January and I'll be posting again in due time. God Bless!

Happy Packing!

Dropped Off My Boxes! #ipackedashoebox 2016

Hello Packers!

     Ah, yes, the wonderful time of the year right before Thanksgiving break has come where all packers across the nation are sending their boxes to the drop off locations that will soon be sent to processing then to the hands of a blessed child. This time of year is always a fun and happy one so I hope you all had a great time dropping off your shoe boxes. I dropped off my boxes at Bayside Church again this year and at times of dropping off your boxes, we need to remember that although the volunteers might be a bit dismissive, this does not deter from the main focus of the ministry: to get those boxes to children in unfortunate circumstances.

     These children out there are going to be so thankful that you took the time, energy and who knows how much money into putting their box together. Truly, this is an amazing ministry and your work is being recognized. 

     This year, I surpassed my OCC goal of 50 boxes and ended up with 159 boxes. This is one of the most exciting moments for my OCC career as I have never packed up these many boxes before.

2014 - 9 boxes

2015 - 20 boxes

Packing these shoe boxes has been a great experience on both my heart and my connection with the Lord. With every box, I can feel God telling me to include certain items that each child might like or really need. These shoe boxes might not look like a lot but each one represents a child that is going to be exposed to the gospel and might be saved. That is something that any packer or Christian can really hope for. 

I don't know the child that any of these boxes are going to nor do I know what their life is like but God does. God knows their struggles, their problems, their position in faith and He knows that with every box there is a specific child for each one. This year, especially with everything going on, I am so grateful that the Lord inspired Franklin Graham to create this ministry so that Christians all over the world can come together and make a child's day with a box filled with goodies, hygiene products and extra school supplies. I love this ministry.

DROP OFF:

The drop off happened right after I got out of my SFG at school. I had to wait for the flat bed as many people had brought large amounts of boxes too. I had arrived at about 12:00 and didn't get out of there until 1:00. This is my first cart of shoe boxes and my goodness, it was hard to decide if I should drop off the plastic or the cardboard boxes first. It was also so heavy that a member of the staff had to come out and help direct me to the drop off building.

The team was a bit different compared to the team last year as they didn't really show much enthusiasm for the boxes I was dropping off like they did last year. They looked rather frustrated that I was bringing in so many boxes. I understand that they need to put them into larger boxes and send them to the processing area but it was a bit discouraging the way that they were treating me like an unwanted customer. Nonetheless, I ended up cheering on other people that were bringing in shoe boxes in place of the volunteer workers. I remember the way I was treated last year and the year before that but today I didn't feel like we were part of a ministry but part of some business and that is something I hope you guys didn't experience when you were/are dropping off your boxes.

I might not have had the best experience at Bayside but I will say that it is the reminder that I am doing this not for the volunteers or the likes on Facebook/Instagram but I am doing this so children that are less fortunate than I can have a Christmas and maybe come to know Jesus through it. 

Shoe Box Gender Breakdown:

BOYS:

10-14: 59 Boxes

5-9: 3 Boxes

2-4: 34 Boxes

GIRLS:

10-14: 37 Boxes

5-9: 4 Boxes

2-4: 22 Boxes

2016 has been an amazing year for us at Shoe Box Loving and we hope to spread more cheer and excitement for the cause next year as well. We are blessed and thankful that we have come across so many resources for our shoe boxes and that next year will be prosperous as well. 

God Bless and Happy Packing!

9/29 2-4 Girl Box

Hello Packers!

     I have been on a young child box kick as of late and I just couldn't do a box for a boy and not do one for a girl. I have a space in my heart for those young babies. Even in the US I feel for the children that are unable to be fed, to wear appropriate clothing or to be able to play with educational toys. The economy of the world, the ongoing war going on in the Middle East and just all of the chaos going on in the world...I believe that these boxes are little rays of sunshine in a world of grey. I feel that these boxes can possibly give a child a chance to realize that they are worth more than their situations and know that there are still good people in the world that want nothing but the best for them and for them to come to Christ.

     

ITEMS:

As you have probably noticed from my previous articles: School Supplies, regardless of age, is always an important inclusion. So, I included in her box:

- 2 Coloring Books -2 Notebooks

-Pencil Sharpener - Crayons

- 10 Pencils - 5 Pens

-Heart Puffy Stickers

Just like the previous box, I am so incredibly happy with the educational items that were on clearance at Target. I love the items and they're also fun so it's a win-win.

-Numbers Book -Doc McStuffins Puzzle

-Alphabet Puzzle -Matching Set

-Water Color Paint Set -Eraser

-Lacing Shapes

Some other great items are hygiene items as well as clothing items. 

-Socks -Comb Brush

-Tooth Brush -Tooth Brush Holder

-Soap -Cookie Cup

Those magnetic yo-yo's are the coolest things I've ever found and I'm super excited for the little girl who gets to play with them. I also wanted these boxes to have large stuffed characters so she gets a relatively large Disney Pirate Girl. 

PACKING:

Step One: So, like all the boxes, put the flattest items on the bottom of the shoe box and most of the items I put in this box are relatively close to the same size so they stacked perfectly on top of each other.

Step Two: There was a space behind the notebooks and other square items so I put the pencils and the tooth brush items there.

Step 3: I had to rearrange a few items as the fillers went in but thankfully they all fit in perfectly. The doll's head is unfortunately really big and not that squishable so the box closed at an angle but still it looks quite nice with the brown polka dot lid and the floral box. 

I hope you guys are having as much fun packing your boxes as I am packing mine. Love and prayers, everyone.

Happy Packing!

9/28 Just Couldn't Help It: Here's Another Box

Hello Packers!

     So, I have been on a box packing/researching hiatus for the last month or so but something truly pulled at my heartstrings when I found a lot of toddler educational items in the Target Clearance section a few weeks ago. I was planning for my 2-4 year old boxes for next year but as I put the items away, I just couldn't help it. Something inside me told me that I needed to pack this box. I fell in love with this child, although I have no idea who or where he is, but I could feel myself knowing who this child was and how helpful these items would be to him. I hope you enjoy the photos and have fun packing!

ITEMS:

So for this box, it is mainly education and creativity based so this child gets:

-Two coloring books

-A Shapes book

-Two Notebooks

-Pencil Case

-Crayons

-Flash Cards

-Eraser

-10 Pencils

-5 Pens

-Lacing Shapes

-Alphabet Puzzle

-Soft hacky Sack

-Water Color Paint set

Something that inspired this box was the large stuffed green teddy bear. My mother had tons of these during my soccer years and we still had one left over. So, this child also gets:

-Green Teddy Bear

-Lion Puzzle

-Tooth Brush

-Tooth Brush Case

-Comb

-Soap

-Jesus Necklace

-Pencil Sharpener

-Magnetic YOYO

PACKING:

Step 1: When filling the shoe box, try to put the flattest stuff on the bottom just because it keeps them from bending/getting wrinkled, it won't take up much space and you get to feel like your box is organized which is a plus for those of us that hate putting items together haphazardly. 

Step 2: Other items that don't take up much space or can take up the length of the box are a good item to put in next. I placed the pencils length wise and then the toothbrush. I decided that I won't put the toothbrush in the container anymore. I understand that it is better to keep them together to save on space of the box but I also remember how it is whenever I get something new, I love to take off the paper and enjoy the fresh new item. I don't want to strip the child of that too much.

Step 3: Then go in the other items that you haven't put in yet. Remember to use the volume of the water bottle when you pack so you can get as much as possible in the box. The Magnetic yoyo was in a large container that took up too much space so we took that out. By the way, we should be careful with how much packaging we send overseas. A lot of the communities that these boxes show up in don't have a great waste system so their garbage piles up. It is unfair of us to add to their garbage in that way. 

Step 4: I had to redo the coloring books because having them curved really bugged me. But the stuffed animal went in last as it is the one thing that will be able to be crushed down and still come out normal-looking. 

Step 5: Always put the rubber bands on the box even if it is perfectly secure. In the process of transporting our boxes from the drop off site to the processing center, some lids can become unhinged and some plastic lids can fall off. Then the crew would be stuck trying to figure out which items belonged where and I believe many of us pack our boxes to be one of a kind, so it would suck if those items were lost. Also, place the label at one end of the box. Some put it in the middle but it is not a great idea as the tape that they put on to secure the boxes for international travel tends to go right over the middle of the boxes.

Alright, I hope you all are having a fabulous time packing. 

Happy Packing!

Why is School Supplies so Important for our Boxes?

Hello Packers!

     I have stopped packing my boxes as I have reached a heaping haul of 140 or so boxes and have to focus on school. However, that isn't stopping me from letting you all know some other great things that we can use to advance our boxes and to get a stronger desire for the things we pack in them. With that being said, I want to talk about the importance of school supplies in our shoe boxes. 

     I was watching a youtube video and something struck me as the person was packing their box. They had included all these great toys and goodies but they only included some pretty gel pens and nothing to write on. That struck me a bit as odd but realized that a lot of other packers didn't include even pens in their boxes, they would include a strip of stickers and that's it or they would include a notebook but nothing to write with. I found that to be a bit concerning as you wouldn't send your student to school with a notebook and hope for the best, right? So, that made me want to spread the word of just how important school supplies are.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE SUPPLIES: DON'T COME.

     In many countries, like certain parts of Ecuador and Africa, if you don't have any school supplies, and I mean the basics of paper and pencil, then you can't go to school to write down what you learned or to do your homework. Believe it or not but children actually want to go to school and educate themselves. I know that in the United States our children are at an 80/20 of children that hate school to those that like it, but even without school supplies, our children can go to school and a teacher or a friend can provide a piece of paper and pen. 

     There are certain areas of the Philippines where children will go through the garbage to find school supplies along with stuff to sell with their parents: it's really sad. Children deserve the rights to a basic education and unfortunately, with poverty-struck children, getting school supplies just so they can go to school is difficult. That's why it is up to us, the packers, to make sure that the children that receive these boxes will also get a good notebook, pencils, pens (optional), erasers, calculator (optional), and pencil sharpener. August is the best time to stock up on these items since the back to school shopping season is upon us. 

GIRLS DON'T GO TO SCHOOL

     In certain countries, girls are forbidden from going to school because of religious reasons or fear of boys/rapists. A woman's blog I follow on Facebook posted about two girls she had met that happened to be of the Muslim religion. They were not allowed to go to school and just hearing that broke my heart. It sucks knowing that there is a school right down the road full of knowledge and being told you can't go. Because of that, I believe in giving school supplies out the wazoo for these boxes. We don't always know if the boxes will be sent to girls in those situations but just imagine if we could get a girl so many pencils and pens, notebooks and crayons that they are able to teach themselves how to do things? 

     Women have been self-taught for years now and girls are no different. They can learn on their own and teach their siblings if they need to. School Supplies are a huge impact on these children because we don't know if they go to school, can't go to school or can't afford to go to school but I know personally that a notebook can change your life and inspire you to do things that you wouldn't imagine possible. Girls deserve that chance even if they aren't allowed to get educated. 

LIST OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES

     Like I had said earlier, a lot of people will include items and then not include the rest. I understand that we can't afford to put everything in this list in the box, but if you are including pens, include a notebook. The two go together like Sandy and Danny. 

• Notebook
• Journal
• Memo Pad
• Ballpoint Pens
• Gel Pens
• High Lighters
• Erasers
• Pencil top Erasers
• Pencil Sharpener
• Solar Calculator
• Beginner Reader Books
• Ruler (Metric)
• Pencil Pouch
• Backpack
• Tote bag
• Folders
• Crayons
• Markers
• Glue Sticks
• Scissors
• Sticky Notes
• Pencils
• Mechanical Pencils
• Led for Mechanical Pencils

Well Packers, I hope that this opened up a nice highlight into the importance of school supplies in our boxes and that it inspires you to include more school supply items. Happy Packing!

OCC Plastic Box decorating w/Scripture

Hello Packers!

     So, unfortunately I have come to the inevitable end of my cardboard go boxes from OCC. I know! I went through an entire set of 100 boxes. I can't believe it either. But, because of that I have obtained some great Sterilite boxes at Walmart for $0.94. However, if I were you, go to Target because they are sold for $0.84 there so that saves you a good 10 cents. Anyway, I have decorated plastic boxes before with Sharpies and again, that is what I have done but I included scripture as a piece of the shoe box decoration as well. I have seen a few boxes include scripture or some "Jesus Loves You" sentiments so I took that inspiration to make these boxes.

Materials Used:
-The good Book
-A 10 pack of Sharpies
-Creative Inspiration...and a bit of the internet.

This was an idea I got from a diy Christmas card and used the bottoms of cups and lotion lids to make the circles for the lids. If you want to include scripture, you can put it on one of the ornaments or make a magical looking ribbon at the bottom and put the scripture there. You're probably asking yourself, "But...how is the child going to know what 1 Peter 3:11 means?" Well, they will by just flipping over the lid!

On the inside, you can write the scripture and maybe even a sweet little sentiment from you or your children. I know that some people like to put their hand prints on the inside of the lid.

Another idea is to just surround the scripture with some floral designs.

If you have any basic paper or index card, you can create a perfect little section to put the scripture and then surround the border with whatever decor you prefer.

...or, if you want to include the scripture as a part of the pattern itself, you can do something like this with the polka dots. You can do this easily with hearts, stars, stripes and pretty much anything you can think of.

Alright packers, if you are looking to make the shoe box look even more like a gift from the outside, I recommend decorating it with whatever you have. I've seen people use glitter glue and even stickers to decorate the plastic shoe boxes to look really personal and give a more "Giver to receiver" feel when the boxes are done to be one of a kind.

It's almost half way through July, Happy Packing Everyone!

OCC Box decorating with School Promos

Hello Packers!

     I know it has been a crazy long time since I have last posted and I'm very happy to let you know I have tons to post! Anyway, have you been looking at your regular go boxes and been wondering how to decorate them? I was lucky the other day in finding some School Jesus promotional decorations at my Dollar Tree and found that they are the perfect width of the go boxes provided by OCC.

These come in a pack of 15 thin cardboard promotional cards. There were others that promoted good grades and doing good deeds in school but I found that these would make a bit more sense for this organization. 

Just like my previous post about decorating with programs, make sure that the decoration is within the lines of the shoe box folds. When you fold it, it will look like the decoration is over the lines but when folded entirely, it is just the view of perception that makes it look like it is over. They are also very sturdy so we know that it won't be too easy to destroy the decoration through transit.

For this decoration, I put tape on all four sides of the decoration piece because although the tape does overlap onto the box's lines, the tape doesn't ruin the look of the box nor ruin the function of folding.

     I know this post was a bit short but I do have more to follow. There isn't much, unfortunately, to say about taping a promo to a box but it makes for a cute box, right?

Happy Packing!