Cant pass the oportunity to shear something, I'm mexican and when I was little my dad was pastor in pastor in a poor and small comunity, so we never had christmas presents, one year an american misioner came to bring us this samaritan boxes, an we can't beleave all the presents inside, so you are sending joy, happyness and a little hope for the kids!!¡ I will do make some boxes myself to give to kids too!!! Thanks!
It hurts my heart that anyone would give this a thumbs down, you are awesome. I love your heart for Children and you are right we are so blessed in this country we have no idea what it is like in these places the boxes go to. God bless!
When I see an amazing video (like this one) and thumbs down I like to think that people watched and accidentally hit the wrong button ... It’s the ONLY EXPLANATION!!! 😊
I love this project! It brought tears to my eyes when you said that the children usually only get 1 shoe box in their lifetime. We are so, so blessed in this country and doing this really brings things into perspective - TFS!
I stock up on school supplies during back to school sales ~ I do the fat quarters too and some sewing supplies for girls ~ and I like to include cord - flashlights - electrical tape - utility items for boys ~ and of course i shop year round ~ check out multi packs for shirts, underwear, etc. in the clearance section and split them among your boxes ~ hope these tips are helpful
I am so proud of you and your kids. We’ve been doing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes for over 10 years. One suggestion, pray over your shoeboxes and for the child receiving the box and their family. Blessings to you and your family!
Your kids did a great job! We do these at our church. Someone said that the older boys need to have their own tools in order to get a job and help their family. So we watch for deals on screwdrivers, hammers, work gloves, safety goggles and other basics to fill boxes.
Ah! I forgot to mention two things: 1) If you don't have time to fill a shoebox, you can create one online for $25! Find details here: @t 2) We also add a note/card from each of the kids along with a picture of them :)
I used your Christmas PDF. so I decided to make Christmas cards for children in the hospital. It is really helping me get into the spirit. I just lost my spaniel and it is helping me get through the mourning period. Especially when I would have normally gone shopping to feel better. I minimized our house and I want to keep going even though I have been through a loss. My hubby and I decided on one Christmas present for the house this year, a scanner\color printer so I can scan our photos and get rid of the hard copies. They are in two enormous bins right now. Unusable. I like down sizing christmas. I actually am Jewish and didn't grow.up with Christmas but have celebrated for the last 26 years. It is very overwhelming. I like that your PET helped me focus on what I want it to mean to me. I decided on Charity, family and friends time, baking and crafting. No presents at all required!
I remember this project from my childhood, but I missed it every year just because it's so early. This year I'm also a bit last minute, but I can't wait to send my shoebox to a child in need! I decided to pack for a girl 2-4 years, so I already ordered: a stuffed animal (a panda bear), colored pencils, a color book, a picture book, a lunchbox, children plasters, scarf and a cap and a schleich fairy on a unicorn. This afternoon we'll go shopping the rest, as sweets and a toothbrush. I'm so excited and I wish I could see the little girl opening my box!
A lady in my church has been putting together shoe boxes for 18 years this year was my second time ever putting them together. Myself and our church people put together 70 shoes boxes and it was such a blessing I cannot wait to do it again next year but yes I want to try to stock up on crayons and pencils through out the year that’s what we ran out of first.
I absolutely LOVE Operation Christmas Child and host a packing party every year! ❤️💚 It helps with my hoarding bc it reminds me that giving is more wonderful than hoarding!
My family loves doing this too. We like to buy tools for the older boy category. By the time we get it filled it weighs a ton!! We like to try to think of things that might help them make money or things (like fishing equipment) that will help them to feed themselves. Great video and I am looking forward to all your Christmas movies!!
It's truly a blessing to be able to give and it makes me emotional too. Every year I enjoy giving to a local ministry who has Thanksgiving dinner for those in need. I enjoy my meal more with my family knowing others are enjoying a good meal also.
I had the opportunity to help process the boxes before they are sent out. It was amazing to see the generosity and love that is put into each box. We had to remove certain things that weren’t good for shipping or that could put the children in danger (like camouflaged items) and/or add other items just in case there wasn’t enough in the box. It was a lot of fun to help. Great work on your boxes 😊
Our church collects items and the children’s church packs them. I kind of miss packing my own and tracking it. But, nothing is stopping me from doing that either! My husband is a “picker”, meaning he finds cool, even new items at sales. He found tons of brand new beanie babies, and hot wheel cars. I’m hoping they enjoy them. Thank you Dawn!
I love that you do this. We do something similar for foster kiddos. Our own foster kiddos were the recipient of some presents as well. This year we want to send a care package to our the child we are sponsoring in Africa and his family. You’ve reminded me to get on it,
When my family has done this we also pray over the box for the child who will receive it. I love getting my kids praying for others and thinking of other people's needs!
Hi, Dawn. That was perfect timing. My husband and I shopped for our shoe boxes this morning and we forgot to get soap. It was fun to see what your kids chose for their boxes.
I just took my 4 year old to pick out items for the box she did. She loved watching the videos of the kids receiving their boxes from the past years. I think it's so important for them to learn there are so many kids who have almost nothing and how fortunate we are to have all our basic needs (and more) met. Great video!
Thank you for the reminder; this opportunity often slips by me as well. You made it look very doable! You gave your children a gift when you showed them how to give in this way; they look so happy to be sharing these items! What a good way for your children to learn about the abundance they have and to learn a way to give! Well, done, Minimal Mom!
I like to send one box for each grandchild we currently are blessed with. This year I logged on and "sent" 6 boxes in a few minutes. This is a convenient option for this Grandma. If we all just do a little to be helpful, it can make a difference to a child!
This is a regular thing I take part in every year. Definitely buying through the year can keep the costs down. Shop in back to school sales for notebooks etc. Shop after valentine's, Easter and Christmas for cheap cuddly toys. So lovely to get your children involved.
This was my fist year doing operation christmas child and now i will try to do one every year. I like to send puzzles and jump ropes and play dough and arts stuff for some small gifts. The sewing kits were a great idea.
We do something similar as a family. Also we have cut down so much for our own children to do it. We do 4 gifts per child. Something they want, something they need something to do (experience or craft), and something to read. It forces intention and thoughtfulness. They love it and we're in the 4th year of it.
You are such a great mom. You're teaching them so much by doing this with them. They are going to grow up to be such caring adults. We need more kids to be taught this when they are little so they grow up kind and caring of others.♥️🎄 Definitely showing my almost 4 yr old some videos of kids less fortunate on TH-cam so she can get a taste of just how good she has it. We have always donated toys each year to different places so she is really familiar with that and does it willingly now on her own. I want to do gift boxes for soldiers over seas too!
My husband listened to a podcast on Dad Tired about a gentleman from Ukraine who got a shoebox when he was a child. He didn’t have his own toothbrush or pairs of shoes. He got a yo-yo and his own toothbrush, etc. and was so so grateful! I always wondered if we were really do enough by shopping at the dollar store and giving them a “measly toothbrush” but now I realize how wonderful it is for so many kiddos! ❤️
Great video. I showed it to my five year old son to inspire him. We bought stuff today and when we filled the box there was still some space and I suggested maybe he could donate a toy of his. I assumed he would say no but to my shock he put three in! Feeling quite proud.
Excellent work from your wonderful family. Yes, it is true we are use to having so many things when actually some of the things we buy are extras and are not necessary. A true blessing for many of the kids in other countries would be to be able to live the lifestyle are kids have! However, if you notice on the pictures that you posted those children are extremely happy by the smiles on their faces when they receive just what they have in their shoebox! Good things come in small packages and it does not matter what is in the shoebox or how big the box is! GOD provides us with what we need and he will not let us go without. BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF US!!! My husband is helping an old woman across the street from us by buying some flooring that she said she would pay us back on monthly instalments and installing it for her for free! I told my husband if she dies before it is paid off that is okay! People have been taking advantage of her and it is time for someone to do something nice for her.!!!
Wow! Thank you soooo much for sharing this video. I love how you encourage your children to give and you understand the importance of showing your kids through videos so that they can understand what’s happening versus forcing them to do it. I hope you are doing well and May G-d Bless you!
Thank you for the date! It's been on my radar but I didn't realize it was that early in the month...thank you! Saved this video, especially the tips, for our future kiddos
Wonderful job! :D Our family has participated in OCC since our one and only (now 25 years old) was a little boy. My husband was also coordinator for our county's relay center for nearly 10 years. It has been a family endeavor and a major blessing to us. :) I think that the single most helpful thing for us is to fill boxes throughout the year. You mentioned that you plan on picking up items on sale throughout the year. This is exactly what we do, and it is just the best for us! It helps us to get more "bang for our buck". Having a packing party before collection week can be fun. We used to do this with our church's youth group. :)
If you pay the shipping fee on-line, you can track where your box goes. One year we received a letter from the dad of the boy that received our box...from Africa. WOW! That was awesome! I also heard a story about a guy who sent a box when he was a kid...long story short...he wound up MARRYING the girl that got his box. DOUBLE WOW!!!!!!
This is an amazing idea! I am going to try to do this with my kids this year. I would love to teach them giving can be so much more rewarding than receiving.
I just found your channel and I'm binge watching your videos!! You have amazing content that is comprehensive and completely practical for someone with multiple children. We have 3 kids from 8 months to 5(almost 6)years old and I am currently completely overwhelmed by all the STUFF!!! I can't WAIT to start purging our stuff!!!
We used to do these every year, then the Church we used to drop them @ stopped being the drop off location. I knew it had moved to a new one, but wasn't sure how to find out. Thank you for adding the link, I found one and we'll be doing them again this year! It was always fun picking out items for these, and such a great way for Christmas to mean more!
Wow, you did it, wonderful job!!! That was so nicely done and tell the kids they did a fabulous job of each of their boxes and super ideas!! You'll inspire alot of families with this video, thanks so much for sharing. Our daughter was knitting simple scarves last year for us and kept making more and more scarves for the shoe boxes! Kids love to give to others and showing them the videos inspire them even more.😊
I definitely want to do this sometime we haven't ever done it. I like the idea of putting stuff away throughout the year. And also to have children put some their money towards it as a donation. ♥️ You guys did great!
Very lovely boxes and cute kids too. I remember one year my youngest was about 5 and he complained that “the poor kids get everything” meaning he saw me buy new stuff all the time and it was often not for them. They definitely learn though that the kids have nothing and this is their one special gift. I packed 93 this year which was a decent amount of work I must admit, they are all going to the Philippines this year. One suggestion I can make is to try and keep your boxes average sized and not too big. In Australia we need to make sure our boxes are no larger than an A4 piece of paper (printer paper), it means they are all similar sized and easier to pack into cartons.
My husband and I do a shoe box each every year. He does one for a boy, I do one for a girl. I pick up items as I find them on sale all year long. Our boxes are always stuffed to the brim!
Great video! I've been packing shoe boxes for many years and usually stock up throughout the year however I know not everyone has the time to do that. I could write a novel of all the ideas and things I've learned over the years but I will just say a few things. 😊 I see y'all are using boot boxes, and I know you want to give as much as you possibly can to the child who receives the gift (trust me I understand!!) however packing a shoebox the size of the printed cardboard boxes on Samaritans purse website is recommended as the shipping containers they use will be able to fit more boxes meaning lower shipping costs for the organization and more children will be reached which is Awesome! So go for a standard shoe box. Tips on how to save money while packing is go to the Dollar tree and look for items with packs of three.. essentially you can make three boxes for the price of one (3 bar of soap pack Palmolive brand, set of 3 card games, set of whistles in the party favors, set of three socks, set of 6 toothbrushes two for each box, hair ties and accessory packs can be split up to give each girl a variety, pack of 12 Combs split into sets of four, pens, pencils, gluesticks, erasers, pencil sharpeners 12ct.. all these items come in large packs that can be divided as well). Everything mentioned can be found at the Dollar tree currently. Hope that helps! 😊❤️
I just recently heard of this and think it’s such a great idea! My kids are only 1 but I plan to make this a tradition so we can put giving first during the holiday season. Also like the idea of them contributing to it (in the future)! Thanks for your inspirational videos. ❤️
Thanks for sharing .that's definitely a way to show love to the world. I didn't know about but for sure we will love to get involved in this amazing project.
Im so glad that you made this video. I have an 11 year old son that I homeschool. I was looking for a way to have him give back to others, and this is perfect. I also shared this on facebook. We will be doing this from now on. Thank you:)
We love Operation Christmas child boxes!!!!! We normally do 2 per kid. Just to make sure that more kids get them. Dollar Tree is the best to get things too. Thank you for sharing ideas!!
YES, my hope is to do two per kids next year as well...I think now that they have seen what it is all about it will be easy to grab things throughout the year with the kids and for them to know what I'm talking about!!
Thank you so much for this idea. I have already searched and put the dates for this year's shoebox collection in my calendar. I look forward to participate in this new idea.
I've been gathering things all year for our OCC boxes. I need to go through our bin and see what I have in there! lol I'm super excited to pack our boxes! You guys did a great job! :)
I loved this video! And this is my FIRST time ever packing shoe boxes and I'm doing 3 as well. However for 2 boys 1 age 2-4 and one ages 5-9 and 1 girl ages 5-9, but next year I would like to pack for the older kids because I read that after buying all the things! And what I did FIRST was shop my own hime first. For example, I had new toothbrushes that they give me at the dentist, pencils, erasers, stickers, and already had spare clear plastic shoe boxes. Then I watched some videos and read the lists online to fill in the rest. I went to 3 different dollar stores to really fill up any empty space and remove packaging. Thanks for sharing! I totally balled too when it came to praying over each child that would receive these boxes and watching when they receive them!
I worked at a Christian Preschool and we always fill shoeboxes every year. The kids love doing it and we show them the video about operation Christmas child where the gifts go and how they get to many of the children. We let the parents know what we are doing and they bring stuff in and the children help pack the boxes 📦
Great idea and video! I have an idea for you. What about a video about simple games we played as kids that you could still find today (if you search) and play with your family and build memories - perhaps at times when the power is off. :) Where the idea comes from is that I saw something in the grocery store the other day that went down like dominoes and I was talking with the cashier about it. I wondered if kids play dominoes anymore. She said hers never have, but she remembers playing them with her grandmother and sister during hurricanes. I remembered playing with my grandmother, and when I mentioned it to my cousin, she remembered playing with her too. Just the other day I saw two sisters in a TH-cam video playing Monopoly with each other. (Yes, the real board game, not the electronic one.) Hainvg a couple of those on hand for those times when the power is out or even just some special time could be a good family tradition to start and make some good memories.
Yes Alan, I LOVE this idea! Our kids are a little young yet, but we've been picking a card game to play each night like Uno, go Fish, Crazy 8's...it has been SO much fun! I didn't grow up playing dominos but now I kind of want to get a set ;) Will definitely talk about this more coming up!!!
Good question: deflated soccer ball with pump, flashlight with batteries, tools, watch, radio, school supplies, notebook, pencils with sharpener, markers
If you do teen girls again ive heard a really great idea of putting reuseable feminine products in there, can you imagine not being able to afford that every month as a teen girl and having to miss school for a whole week every month 😣
I want to do this too! The pamphlet I got about it said something about $9 per box when you drop it off? Do you just hand the collection people cash or write a check? How does that part work?
Good question: The $9 gift is optional, but obviously helpful, and you can write a check and put it in the top of the shoebox. When it gets to the main collection center for the region, volunteers go through the boxes, take out the money and double check that everything is appropriate :)
Cant pass the oportunity to shear something, I'm mexican and when I was little my dad was pastor in pastor in a poor and small comunity, so we never had christmas presents, one year an american misioner came to bring us this samaritan boxes, an we can't beleave all the presents inside, so you are sending joy, happyness and a little hope for the kids!!¡ I will do make some boxes myself to give to kids too!!! Thanks!
Wow!! This is SO cool to hear!!! Thank you for sharing this!! 💕
Yes, many blessings to you!!❤️Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!!
And make sure to pray over the boxes! Most important part!
It hurts my heart that anyone would give this a thumbs down, you are awesome. I love your heart for Children and you are right we are so blessed in this country we have no idea what it is like in these places the boxes go to. God bless!
I know, my mom would like to have a word with them ;) The kind words by far out way the thumbs down, though, thank YOU!!!! :)
When I see an amazing video (like this one) and thumbs down I like to think that people watched and accidentally hit the wrong button ... It’s the ONLY EXPLANATION!!! 😊
I love this project! It brought tears to my eyes when you said that the children usually only get 1 shoe box in their lifetime. We are so, so blessed in this country and doing this really brings things into perspective - TFS!
I stock up on school supplies during back to school sales ~ I do the fat quarters too and some sewing supplies for girls ~ and I like to include cord - flashlights - electrical tape - utility items for boys ~ and of course i shop year round ~ check out multi packs for shirts, underwear, etc. in the clearance section and split them among your boxes ~ hope these tips are helpful
Yes, these are awesome ideas, thank you!! 💕
I am so proud of you and your kids. We’ve been doing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes for over 10 years. One suggestion, pray over your shoeboxes and for the child receiving the box and their family. Blessings to you and your family!
Your kids did a great job!
We do these at our church. Someone said that the older boys need to have their own tools in order to get a job and help their family. So we watch for deals on screwdrivers, hammers, work gloves, safety goggles and other basics to fill boxes.
Your kids are so compassionate even at such a young age. God bless them.
Ah! I forgot to mention two things: 1) If you don't have time to fill a shoebox, you can create one online for $25! Find details here: @t 2) We also add a note/card from each of the kids along with a picture of them :)
I used your Christmas PDF. so I decided to make Christmas cards for children in the hospital. It is really helping me get into the spirit. I just lost my spaniel and it is helping me get through the mourning period. Especially when I would have normally gone shopping to feel better. I minimized our house and I want to keep going even though I have been through a loss. My hubby and I decided on one Christmas present for the house this year, a scanner\color printer so I can scan our photos and get rid of the hard copies. They are in two enormous bins right now. Unusable. I like down sizing christmas. I actually am Jewish and didn't grow.up with Christmas but have celebrated for the last 26 years. It is very overwhelming. I like that your PET helped me focus on what I want it to mean to me. I decided on Charity, family and friends time, baking and crafting. No presents at all required!
Wow, this is really cool to hear, best wishes and blessings to you!
I remember this project from my childhood, but I missed it every year just because it's so early. This year I'm also a bit last minute, but I can't wait to send my shoebox to a child in need! I decided to pack for a girl 2-4 years, so I already ordered: a stuffed animal (a panda bear), colored pencils, a color book, a picture book, a lunchbox, children plasters, scarf and a cap and a schleich fairy on a unicorn. This afternoon we'll go shopping the rest, as sweets and a toothbrush. I'm so excited and I wish I could see the little girl opening my box!
We wish we could see them open them too! This is awesome, good work!!!
A lady in my church has been putting together shoe boxes for 18 years this year was my second time ever putting them together. Myself and our church people put together 70 shoes boxes and it was such a blessing I cannot wait to do it again next year but yes I want to try to stock up on crayons and pencils through out the year that’s what we ran out of first.
I absolutely LOVE Operation Christmas Child and host a packing party every year! ❤️💚 It helps with my hoarding bc it reminds me that giving is more wonderful than hoarding!
What a great idea to have a packing party - TFS! :)
Allison B. They are a lot of fun ❤️❤️
LOVE, love, love the idea to have a packing party! May have to do this next year!!! :)
My family loves doing this too. We like to buy tools for the older boy category. By the time we get it filled
it weighs a ton!! We like to try to think of things that might help them make money or things (like fishing equipment) that will help them to feed themselves. Great video and I am looking forward to all your Christmas movies!!
LOVE these ideas!!!
It's truly a blessing to be able to give and it makes me emotional too. Every year I enjoy giving to a local ministry who has
Thanksgiving dinner for those in need. I enjoy my meal more with my family knowing others are enjoying a good meal also.
YES! Love this 💕
I had the opportunity to help process the boxes before they are sent out. It was amazing to see the generosity and love that is put into each box. We had to remove certain things that weren’t good for shipping or that could put the children in danger (like camouflaged items) and/or add other items just in case there wasn’t enough in the box. It was a lot of fun to help. Great work on your boxes 😊
That's awesome!!!
Our church collects items and the children’s church packs them. I kind of miss packing my own and tracking it. But, nothing is stopping me from doing that either! My husband is a “picker”, meaning he finds cool, even new items at sales. He found tons of brand new beanie babies, and hot wheel cars. I’m hoping they enjoy them. Thank you Dawn!
I love that you do this. We do something similar for foster kiddos. Our own foster kiddos were the recipient of some presents as well. This year we want to send a care package to our the child we are sponsoring in Africa and his family. You’ve reminded me to get on it,
Yes, love this!! 💕
I was in foster care, I remember getting a few things at the foster care Christmas party. 💜
When my family has done this we also pray over the box for the child who will receive it. I love getting my kids praying for others and thinking of other people's needs!
YES, love this!!!!! :)
Hi, Dawn. That was perfect timing. My husband and I shopped for our shoe boxes this morning and we forgot to get soap. It was fun to see what your kids chose for their boxes.
I just took my 4 year old to pick out items for the box she did. She loved watching the videos of the kids receiving their boxes from the past years. I think it's so important for them to learn there are so many kids who have almost nothing and how fortunate we are to have all our basic needs (and more) met. Great video!
That's awesome and THANK YOU!
Thank you for the reminder; this opportunity often slips by me as well. You made it look very doable! You gave your children a gift when you showed them how to give in this way; they look so happy to be
sharing these items! What a good way for your children to learn about the abundance they have and to
learn a way to give! Well, done, Minimal Mom!
Wow Paula, thank you, I greatly appreciate that!!
I like to send one box for each grandchild we currently are blessed with. This year I logged on and "sent" 6 boxes in a few minutes. This is a convenient option for this Grandma. If we all just do a little to be helpful, it can make a difference to a child!
Way to go, that's awesome!!
This is a regular thing I take part in every year. Definitely buying through the year can keep the costs down. Shop in back to school sales for notebooks etc. Shop after valentine's, Easter and Christmas for cheap cuddly toys. So lovely to get your children involved.
This was my fist year doing operation christmas child and now i will try to do one every year. I like to send puzzles and jump ropes and play dough and arts stuff for some small gifts. The sewing kits were a great idea.
Awesome, SO glad to hear this!!!
Pencils and/or ballpoint pens are also really helpful. Most kids need them for school.
That is awesome! We have done shoeboxes with my boys since they were babies. Each boy does their own box. ❤️
We do Operation Shoebox every year through our church. I always choose a box for each older Boy & Girl. You guys did a great job on your boxes!
We do something similar as a family. Also we have cut down so much for our own children to do it. We do 4 gifts per child. Something they want, something they need something to do (experience or craft), and something to read. It forces intention and thoughtfulness. They love it and we're in the 4th year of it.
LOVE this idea!!
You are such a great mom. You're teaching them so much by doing this with them. They are going to grow up to be such caring adults. We need more kids to be taught this when they are little so they grow up kind and caring of others.♥️🎄
Definitely showing my almost 4 yr old some videos of kids less fortunate on TH-cam so she can get a taste of just how good she has it. We have always donated toys each year to different places so she is really familiar with that and does it willingly now on her own.
I want to do gift boxes for soldiers over seas too!
Oh yes, I forgot about the gift boxes for soldiers, I want to do that too!!!
My husband listened to a podcast on Dad Tired about a gentleman from Ukraine who got a shoebox when he was a child. He didn’t have his own toothbrush or pairs of shoes. He got a yo-yo and his own toothbrush, etc. and was so so grateful! I always wondered if we were really do enough by shopping at the dollar store and giving them a “measly toothbrush” but now I realize how wonderful it is for so many kiddos! ❤️
I love it when it comes time for operation Christmas child. Been doing it since I was 7. I’m 18 and still doing it! It warms my heart doing this
That's so awesome!!!
Great video. I showed it to my five year old son to inspire him. We bought stuff today and when we filled the box there was still some space and I suggested maybe he could donate a toy of his. I assumed he would say no but to my shock he put three in! Feeling quite proud.
That is SO awesome!!!
Love the craft kit ideas. The practical stuff is so helpful. I’ve lived in communities that received boxes and it makes a difference.
Oh that’s really cool to hear! 💕
Excellent work from your wonderful family. Yes, it is true we are use to having so many things when actually some of the things we buy are extras and are not necessary. A true blessing for many of the kids in other countries would be to be able to live the lifestyle are kids have! However, if you notice on the pictures that you posted those children are extremely happy by the smiles on their faces when they receive just what they have in their shoebox! Good things come in small packages and it does not matter what is in the shoebox or how big the box is! GOD provides us with what we need and he will not let us go without. BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF US!!! My husband is helping an old woman across the street from us by buying some flooring that she said she would pay us back on monthly instalments and installing it for her for free! I told my husband if she dies before it is paid off that is okay! People have been taking advantage of her and it is time for someone to do something nice for her.!!!
Wow! Thank you soooo much for sharing this video. I love how you encourage your children to give and you understand the importance of showing your kids through videos so that they can understand what’s happening versus forcing them to do it. I hope you are doing well and May G-d Bless you!
Thank you for the date! It's been on my radar but I didn't realize it was that early in the month...thank you! Saved this video, especially the tips, for our future kiddos
Wonderful job! :D
Our family has participated in OCC since our one and only (now 25 years old) was a little boy.
My husband was also coordinator for our county's relay center for nearly 10 years. It has been a family endeavor and a major blessing to us. :)
I think that the single most helpful thing for us is to fill boxes throughout the year. You mentioned that you plan on picking up items on sale throughout the year. This is exactly what we do, and it is just the best for us! It helps us to get more "bang for our buck".
Having a packing party before collection week can be fun. We used to do this with our church's youth group. :)
That's awesome!
If you pay the shipping fee on-line, you can track where your box goes. One year we received a letter from the dad of the boy that received our box...from Africa. WOW! That was awesome! I also heard a story about a guy who sent a box when he was a kid...long story short...he wound up MARRYING the girl that got his box. DOUBLE WOW!!!!!!
We always did this with our daughter now this year I'm taking her daughter who is 3 1/2 to fill a shoe box I'm so excited
Gathering things for my box as I rewatch this. Thanks for sharing.
Yay! So glad to hear!!!
This is an amazing idea! I am going to try to do this with my kids this year. I would love to teach them giving can be so much more rewarding than receiving.
One of the volunteers helped deliver boxes, she said one of the most valued gifts was a washcloth.
I just found your channel and I'm binge watching your videos!! You have amazing content that is comprehensive and completely practical for someone with multiple children. We have 3 kids from 8 months to 5(almost 6)years old and I am currently completely overwhelmed by all the STUFF!!! I can't WAIT to start purging our stuff!!!
SO glad to hear, YOU CAN DO IT!!! ;)
We used to do these every year, then the Church we used to drop them @ stopped being the drop off location. I knew it had moved to a new one, but wasn't sure how to find out. Thank you for adding the link, I found one and we'll be doing them again this year! It was always fun picking out items for these, and such a great way for Christmas to mean more!
Wow, you did it, wonderful job!!! That was so nicely done and tell the kids they did a fabulous job of each of their boxes and super ideas!! You'll inspire alot of families with this video, thanks so much for sharing. Our daughter was knitting simple scarves last year for us and kept making more and more scarves for the shoe boxes! Kids love to give to others and showing them the videos inspire them even more.😊
How sweet of them, love this idea! And thank YOU!!!! :)
You’ve inspired me to make sure I do this for someone this year! Thank you for spreading great cheer, Dawn!
Our kids are doing this at their school and since it isn’t something that Ive ever done before so Im happy to see this idea! Great video!
I definitely want to do this sometime we haven't ever done it. I like the idea of putting stuff away throughout the year. And also to have children put some their money towards it as a donation. ♥️ You guys did great!
Very lovely boxes and cute kids too. I remember one year my youngest was about 5 and he complained that “the poor kids get everything” meaning he saw me buy new stuff all the time and it was often not for them. They definitely learn though that the kids have nothing and this is their one special gift.
I packed 93 this year which was a decent amount of work I must admit, they are all going to the Philippines this year.
One suggestion I can make is to try and keep your boxes average sized and not too big. In Australia we need to make sure our boxes are no larger than an A4 piece of paper (printer paper), it means they are all similar sized and easier to pack into cartons.
Wow, this is awesome!!!! :)
My husband and I do a shoe box each every year. He does one for a boy, I do one for a girl. I pick up items as I find them on sale all year long. Our boxes are always stuffed to the brim!
Great video! I've been packing shoe boxes for many years and usually stock up throughout the year however I know not everyone has the time to do that. I could write a novel of all the ideas and things I've learned over the years but I will just say a few things. 😊 I see y'all are using boot boxes, and I know you want to give as much as you possibly can to the child who receives the gift (trust me I understand!!) however packing a shoebox the size of the printed cardboard boxes on Samaritans purse website is recommended as the shipping containers they use will be able to fit more boxes meaning lower shipping costs for the organization and more children will be reached which is Awesome! So go for a standard shoe box. Tips on how to save money while packing is go to the Dollar tree and look for items with packs of three.. essentially you can make three boxes for the price of one (3 bar of soap pack Palmolive brand, set of 3 card games, set of whistles in the party favors, set of three socks, set of 6 toothbrushes two for each box, hair ties and accessory packs can be split up to give each girl a variety, pack of 12 Combs split into sets of four, pens, pencils, gluesticks, erasers, pencil sharpeners 12ct.. all these items come in large packs that can be divided as well). Everything mentioned can be found at the Dollar tree currently. Hope that helps! 😊❤️
Awesome tips, thank YOU!!!!
I just recently heard of this and think it’s such a great idea! My kids are only 1 but I plan to make this a tradition so we can put giving first during the holiday season. Also like the idea of them contributing to it (in the future)! Thanks for your inspirational videos. ❤️
Thanks for sharing .that's definitely a way to show love to the world. I didn't know about but for sure we will love to get involved in this amazing project.
Im so glad that you made this video. I have an 11 year old son that I homeschool. I was looking for a way to have him give back to others, and this is perfect. I also shared this on facebook. We will be doing this from now on. Thank you:)
Awesome, thank YOU!!! :)
We love Operation Christmas child boxes!!!!! We normally do 2 per kid. Just to make sure that more kids get them. Dollar Tree is the best to get things too. Thank you for sharing ideas!!
YES, my hope is to do two per kids next year as well...I think now that they have seen what it is all about it will be easy to grab things throughout the year with the kids and for them to know what I'm talking about!!
I have done a box for the last two years. I love finding items at our local craft fairs for some of the items.
Good job, kids! YEAH!!!!!! (and good job Mom!)
The hand bands in the water bottles is such a good tip!
Most only get one box ever I didn't know that. Sweet boxes. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for this idea. I have already searched and put the dates for this year's shoebox collection in my calendar. I look forward to participate in this new idea.
Love love love this! Such a worthy cause. I'm the project leader at my church. Hope you're doing boxes this year. They're due next week already.
I've been gathering things all year for our OCC boxes. I need to go through our bin and see what I have in there! lol I'm super excited to pack our boxes! You guys did a great job! :)
Thank you!!!
Love this! This is new to me, so thanks for sharing. We have a few giving traditions, but I like how early this one is. Off to check out the video!
Your kids are the cutest!!
What a nice thing to do, very sweet family.
Love this! We buy the toiletries on sales & clearance throughout the year. School supplies during back to school time 🙏
Yes, that's so great! Can't wait to be more intentional this coming year!!!!
I can do this. Awesome video and cause. Thank you.
I loved this video! And this is my FIRST time ever packing shoe boxes and I'm doing 3 as well. However for 2 boys 1 age 2-4 and one ages 5-9 and 1 girl ages 5-9, but next year I would like to pack for the older kids because I read that after buying all the things! And what I did FIRST was shop my own hime first. For example, I had new toothbrushes that they give me at the dentist, pencils, erasers, stickers, and already had spare clear plastic shoe boxes. Then I watched some videos and read the lists online to fill in the rest. I went to 3 different dollar stores to really fill up any empty space and remove packaging. Thanks for sharing! I totally balled too when it came to praying over each child that would receive these boxes and watching when they receive them!
LOVE this!!! Good work!!! :)
This is wonderful. I had never heard of this before.
I worked at a Christian Preschool and we always fill shoeboxes every year.
The kids love doing it and we show them the video about operation Christmas child where the gifts go and how they get to many of the children.
We let the parents know what we are doing and they bring stuff in and the children help pack the boxes 📦
That is wonderful. Your kids actions are so very precious. I've heard of this, but not ever seen the details and the website. God bless you.
This'll be my 3rd year doing shoe boxes. My mom wants to do older boys too, because buying things for "cute little girls" is alot easier.
I put more then 1 wow toy in my boxes..more fun for me..🤗
That's awesome! The kids have added more to their boxes, too, it has been fun to see!
Really love this. We do something similar with our church missionaries.
I love this idea! Really made me tear up watching this and like you, made me feel so greedy when I think of our Christmas!!!
We just finished packing our boxes yesterday! It’s such a great organization😊
Great ideas! love it.
This was so helpful! I want to do the bead kit in ours. Great idea!
Ooh, some really good ideas!! Thank you for doing this video
So cool that you do that! I remember doing that in highschool
Great idea.
Great idea and video! I have an idea for you. What about a video about simple games we played as kids that you could still find today (if you search) and play with your family and build memories - perhaps at times when the power is off. :)
Where the idea comes from is that I saw something in the grocery store the other day that went down like dominoes and I was talking with the cashier about it. I wondered if kids play dominoes anymore. She said hers never have, but she remembers playing them with her grandmother and sister during hurricanes. I remembered playing with my grandmother, and when I mentioned it to my cousin, she remembered playing with her too. Just the other day I saw two sisters in a TH-cam video playing Monopoly with each other. (Yes, the real board game, not the electronic one.) Hainvg a couple of those on hand for those times when the power is out or even just some special time could be a good family tradition to start and make some good memories.
Yes Alan, I LOVE this idea! Our kids are a little young yet, but we've been picking a card game to play each night like Uno, go Fish, Crazy 8's...it has been SO much fun! I didn't grow up playing dominos but now I kind of want to get a set ;) Will definitely talk about this more coming up!!!
I love this! ♥️♥️
Well done guys:) I love this cause:)
Thank you!
Our drop off dates in Australia is up until the last Sunday on October. It’s so early!
Oh wow, that is really early!!!
en mi iglesia les van adar a los niños muchas gracias por estos regalos😗
How did u fine Operation Christmas child? This is so awesome....
Lin Bron If you look it up, the websites for your country should come up:) it’s a fab cause and the kids are so grateful for the gifts:)
Hobby Lobby usually has a table by the front door with pamphlets about it. At least that's how I found out about it. 💜
Our church was promoting it one year!
Dawn,
I know this video is older. Im going back and watching your videos! 😊 I was wondering how I go about doing this?
Can you give us some ideas if we wanted to do a gift box for older boys, thanks!
Good question: deflated soccer ball with pump, flashlight with batteries, tools, watch, radio, school supplies, notebook, pencils with sharpener, markers
Love this! What age did you start the splitting of money into save, spend, donate? I want to do these things with my girls. They are 3 and almost 2
may we share your vid at church tomorrow? it is streamed...
Yes of course!!!
What size clothes do you usually buy for the kids?
If you do teen girls again ive heard a really great idea of putting reuseable feminine products in there, can you imagine not being able to afford that every month as a teen girl and having to miss school for a whole week every month 😣
Ohhhh, that's a great idea!!
Also, where do you get the shoe boxes?
💕💕💕
I want to do this too! The pamphlet I got about it said something about $9 per box when you drop it off? Do you just hand the collection people cash or write a check? How does that part work?
Good question: The $9 gift is optional, but obviously helpful, and you can write a check and put it in the top of the shoebox. When it gets to the main collection center for the region, volunteers go through the boxes, take out the money and double check that everything is appropriate :)
♥️😭♥️😭♥️😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
How can I get Samaritan boxes to share love of God to orphan people in our area.From india.pray for India. .how can I get . kindly please reply.🙏🙏🕊🕊
That is a very good question! Are you able to visit their website and see if they have drop off locations in your country?
Does it have to be a shoe box or can it be any kind of box? I don’t have any boxes and when I shop for shoes I usually never get any with a box.
Good question: It can be the shoebox plastic containers with lids from places like the dollar store or walmart.
Go to a shoe store and ask for some boxes. They always have extras hanging around.