Send a Child a Shoebox Full of Love

Samaritan's Purse has a wonderful outreach called Operation Christmas Child where people can fill shoeboxes with gifts for a child who might other wise not receive anything.  Samaritan's Purse ensures that children all over the world receive shoeboxes regardless of race, religion and gender.

Each fall my kids and I enjoy making lists and shopping for their "friends who live far away".  I love how this experience teaches them about giving to others and showing love to others.

This year I found some adorable stuffed dogs and bought them for the shoeboxes, but my kids fell in love with the dogs and didn't want to part with them.  I gave my kids the dogs with the agreement that they would use their own money to buy more dogs for the shoeboxes.  Desiree(6) is thrilled that her friend who lives far away will now have the exact same dog that she has!

If you like, you can visit the Canadian website to pack a shoebox online.  Online shoeboxes will be sent to Haiti and are a minimum of $37 Canadian (which includes shipping).  Anyone can donate via this website, but please keep in mind that if you want a valid tax receipt you must donate to the country you live in.

For Americans who would like to know where your shoebox ends up, you can donate the shipping fee for your box online at the American website and track your shoebox through a label that you attach to your shoebox.

You can fill a shoe box for a boy or girl in one of three age categories 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.  You can include items such as stuffed animals, toothbrushes, calculators, t-shirts, sunglasses, school supplies, hard candy, soap (in a plastic bag), socks, stickers, cars, balls, and hair items.  You can even include a personal note and photos if you like.

Avoid  toothpaste, liquids, glass items, soft candy or chocolate, food, playing cards, war items and used items.

Check out this Shoe Box Video for more pointers.  Visit Samaritan's Purse Canada and Samaritan's Purse USA for more information (such as collection locations).  Samaritan's Purse is also located in the UK, Australia, Germany, Spain and Hong Kong.

The Power of a Simple Gift is a video that will show the journey of shoeboxes and the impact that they have on the children who receive them.

 ~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~