A great way to give back is by packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. I have written about this event several times in the past and have supported this project for many years. The boys and I used to pack shoeboxes years ago and it was always fun to shop for items and cram them all into those shoeboxes.
The shoebox drive is still an ongoing project of Samaritan’s Purse and they reach many children all over the world with these packed boxes. Many churches are collection places and this week is the designated drop off week for many. To find a local drop off for your shoebox this week click on this link to be able to search locally for the drop off location.
With Covid- 19 it may be a little more difficult to shop and get the shoebox delivered. But don’t worry because it can all be done online with very little fuss. I built a shoebox online for $25 and following are the steps to do that. This is the direct link to build a shoebox online.
To start building you click on choices of building yourself or having a box built for you. Once you click on Start Building options for age ranges and boy or girl pop up to be selected.

I chose a girl ages 5-9 and the first item to select is an essential item.

The next selection was to choose a WOW item for the box. I chose a doll.

Next step allows the builder to select 3 small toys. I chose a jewelry kit, a toy and a necklace.

Then comes the option to select two accessories. I chose hair accessories and a shirt.

Once these items were selected my shoebox was filled and it was time to begin to check out.

The option is available to include a note and of course I selected that option.

You can even upload a picture to include with your note to your child.

Final step is payment which can be done a variety of ways including PayPal.

The whole process is very easy and quick and while you don’t get to actually pick out those toys at a store on your own if you are pressed for time or just simply want to avoid the stores now this is the perfectly safe way to make a shoebox. The $25 cost covers the box, what is in the box and the shipping and handling cost. I always spend way more than that when I pack my own box so maybe this is the way to do it a little bit more economically?
Have you participated in this in past years? Have you been a part of a church that is a collection point? I would love to hear your experiences with this if you would like to share. Remember to leave me a comment and remember that each comment this month goes to support our Comments for a Cause – Emergency Covid-19 Combat Service.
6 Comments
Leave a commentWhat a great idea. We used to do this when we were kids.
We did this with our kids each year. Jacob did a bit and Emily a girl. Jeff and I continue this tradition. We also send money to purchase a goat for a family to provide them with milk.
We have participated in this event for more years than I can count. It was fun for our kids when they were teens to fill our shoeboxes. Even after the kids grew up and left home, my husband and I filled shoeboxes every year and still do. Our church is a big supporter and we send hundreds of boxes every year. Samaritan’s Purse is a fine organization and blesses so many children all around the world with this project.
This is such a worthy project, one which I’ve supported in the past. Thank you for highlighting this.
I didn’t know about the build online option! I’m going to do that with my kids when they get home from school!
In the world right now this is a good way to do a Christmas Shoe Box. My church does shoe boxes for PWM. A wonderful ministry that works on the Navajo Reservations. Unfortunately we were not able to do it this year..