How to make GREAT Operation Christmas Child Boxes on a Budget!

This is one of my favorite charities and one of my favorite ways to give on a budget! Drop off week is Monday, Nov. 12-19
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[@JenDplus3]

We do this every year, 2 boxes for my 2 boys. We try to do the older kids since I read they don’t typically get as many boxes as the younger guys. 💜

[@debbieblincoe888]

This video brightens my heart!!!!

[@pajamamama5965]

Oh, and my SIL worked at the OCC packing facility in NC, gave lots of good tips. Underfilled boxes are a common issue. They get donated items in large quantities to help pack the boxes fully, especially if they find they have to remove something. So no worries for people who feel they underpack them. It is good to stuff them as fully as possible though, you did good Sarah! They also put good news tracts/scripture in the children's language. So they are introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ as well. Terrific charity!

[@MsCherylB183]

We are dropping off our shoebox tomorrow. I’m in the U.K. My 6 year old little girl has loved doing this.

[@michellez2018]

I started doing Operation Christmas child last year after seeing your video and I love it!

[@erikalifevlogs]

This is such an amazing and thoughtful charity cause! Really loved the video!

[@OneBigHappyLife]

This is such a great tradition. And I love how you prepped by shopping in advance when the back to school shopping to score those deals. Love the paintings in your background!--Tasha

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks!

[@consciouslycontent]

I’m literally crying! This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! There’s a drop off location near me and I want to make a box!

[@LisaVanGemert]

I just went and saw your website for the first time, and it looks absolutely terrific! I'm so proud of you! I've been subscribed since you had fewer than 3,000 subscribers, and I cannot BELIEVE how you are rockin' it. You have been so wonderful for so long, and I love that you are making so much of your business and using it to help people. You're amazing.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much Lisa, for hanging out with me this whole time and for always leaving such encouraging comments. You're one of the reasons I've continued my channel and hope to keep it going for a long time.

[@LisaVanGemert]

I'm so happy you've found such a great guy, and I am also so glad you moved to Texas to join me in this great state. I also hope you got and could use the Vlog Like a Boss book I sent.

[@laurad2298]

That's awesome that you pray over the boxes!

[@CD-nz5xo]

Thank you Sarah! My daughter and I enjoyed your video. We pack shoeboxes every year and it is always great to get packing tips. We love operation Christmas child! Thanks again!

[@kimberlythomas6573]

Absolutely wonderful, the giving and the packing!

[@freedominabudget]

Love the bead idea! And I loved seeing your candle in the background!!

[@BudgetGirl]

It smells great! I rotate them out to vary the scent on the table behind the couch.

[@BudgetsKale]

Flip flops is such a great idea! And that pineapple bag us adorable. Thanks for the reminder, we did one last year and our daughter is old enough to understand this year !

[@Mamame4]

Fantastic! I'm going to share this on my Facebook for our many church people to see! Thanks for making this video!

[@prila.b13]

You go girl! I am awesome at fitting a bunch of stuff in a small space too so this charity is wonderful for me and each year I challenge myself. We did 4 box this year as well. 2 boys and 2 girls.

[@BudgetGirl]

I love it!

[@simwisegamegee4382]

Girl, you are absolutely glowing in this video! You really inspire me, thank you for all your ideas!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

Yay! Love this!!! Glad you got to do more boxes. I really want to do this this year. I always pick a kid off the tree at the mall, I totally can’t remember who runs that one. Love what you put in the boxes. Kids will love it!

[@BudgetGirl]

I know it's called Angel Tree!

[@lynns.1855]

You are a super packer! I can't believe you fitted all that in the boxes. Bless You,

[@juliefromgeorgia9884]

I enjoy these Christmas box videos! Thanks

[@pegsbarton6353]

Wow Sarah, you can really pack!! I would never have thought you could have fitted everything in that box. It's a lovely Idea and the things you chose are really good. Nice of you to plan to pass on the 'spare' stuff to someone else to fit in their boxes. Those flip flops will be very useful. I'm gonna check and see if we have something like that near us in the UK. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@mrssmurf55]

Ah this is such a nice thing to do enjoy watching these videos every year!

[@blciffa]

This warms my heart!! God bless!

[@aliciaunaryan4751]

Bless you Sarah, my family and I do this every year too, it makes one step back & count your blessings. Here in South Africa, we call them Santa's shoe boxes & it's such a blessing to bless others & their smile is so heartwarming. Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@sc1ssorbill]

Wow! Great boxes. What a blessing.

[@AshCashBudget]

I knew you would knock it out of the park! Your boxes make ours seem skimpy now! I'll try to tag you when I get my video up. Gotta grab a couple things left on the list. Great idea asking a little girl for her opinion on the WOW gift

[@aznamethyst]

Girl nothing skimpy about blessing a child with something they need and some wants. 👍

[@BudgetGirl]

Agreed with Aznamethyst! I'm certain the kids you packed for will be thrilled and blessed. So glad you do this too!

[@AshCashBudget]

You're both right! So happy to bless some children. 😊

[@BeagleBellow]

I did my first year round packing this year. I found a limited edition Barbie than listed for $40 for 5 dollar[ like 5 ].a few weeks later I found the same doll for $1.. I ended up doing 70 boxes . keep up the Lords work

[@BudgetGirl]

70 boxes is amazing!

[@shelbylengwenat3774]

I love watching these videos. I watch them every year and it’s truly inspiring ❤️

[@stephaniejohnson2785]

I love all the stuff you included! I got some great ideas from your video. We just finished a 2-4 girl box (well I have a couple more things to stick in hers) and a 5-9 boy box that is packed full. The 5-9 boy box includes: two wash cloths, two hot wheels cars, a water bottle I stuffed with colorful bandaids and plastic dinosaurs, a small battery operated train with tracks and batteries for it, a little LEGO set to build a fire truck, a slinky, a thing of playdough, a pair of flip flops, a small squishy football, a three pack of socks, stickers, and a little kit that has thick cardboard characters with markers and stickers. You can pop the characters out after coloring them and stand them up as little figures to play with. The 2-4 girl box includes: a water bottle filled with hair ties and hair clips and colorful bandaids and plastic ponies, the same markers and stickers and figure character set the boy got, two wash cloths, a Barbie doll, a stuffed animal, a stuffed backpack clip, a three pack of socks, stickers, and playdough. I was thinking of finding a small fuzzy blanket, some flip flops or jelly shoes, maybe an outfit or panties, and another small toy for the little girl to complete her box. I thought she would be easy to pack for but not so much!

[@ashleyblois]

I’ve never thought of water colour paints! That’s a great idea!

[@jessicacoleman9122]

I love your box and how it is stuffed to the max! My family and I have been packing shoeboxes since the early years and I love seeing what others include in the boxes! Happy packing! ❤

[@addictionmouse4627]

Wow!!! I’m very impressed with your packing abilities. I never would have been able to fit that all in there. Such a blessing!

[@carolynhiscock9457]

Wonderful boxes .

[@kakelinga]

I love that you do these every year. I must try to find a local church that participates in this where I live in Hawaii.

[@lenabigonia333]

Amazing job on fitting so many gifts in the box!

[@sharonsoldinie4985]

Great packing tips!

[@noeytindol5529]

Great boxes

[@leahhenshall7077]

My husband and kids and I did two boxes this year one boy and one girl..it was such a beautiful thing to do as a Family. We had to get ours in by the end of October here in Australia so can't show you a pic,

[@lisaallred3633]

I packed my first OCC box last year. I found out that only three of the countries receiving boxes don't use the metric system. So, if you pack rulers, tape measures, etc. they should probably be metric. I pack for older girls so I can include washable sanitary pads for them. The girls miss school if they don't have the pads when they need them. I plan to sew sanitary pads this year. There are patterns on Pinterest. With pads, also get a bag to hold the pads and clothes pins and clothesline to let the washed pads dry. It is so exciting to help others!

[@BudgetGirl]

That is such a great add! I'll consider it!

[@pajamamama5965]

I got those same bags from DT for my OCC boxes! Great minds think alike. I thought they were great for the kids to put their things in. After I dropped off my boxes, I went back to the DT and bought a bunch more of those bags to put in my boxes next year as well (in case I can't find them next year) I got the black ones for the boys. I did colored pencils instead of the crayons, due to the heat. I recommend Franklin Graham's book written about OCC, it was excellent, very inspiring. It made me decide to do more boxes this year, 10 total, both boys and girls. So happy to be out of debt and can afford it. Took me a whole day just to put the boxes together. But so worth it. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@marigarza9201]

That is so awesome Sarah! Maybe next year I can do this 😊

[@simplesweetsoul5466]

You are so beautiful. Love that you pray over them. Blessed to give more than receive. I hope it's not too late for me to do it.

[@sandrafromscotland]

Hi Sarah. Well done. Definitely your gift 😀 seeing the wee ones open them in your video insert is so heartwarming. Also, just subscribed to your newsletter on your fab website! Thank you.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you!

[@sandrafromscotland]

Hi Sarah. I hope your best friend Jaimie & her family is OK in those terrible California fires.

[@charlottesshoeboxes3230]

Great packing ideas.

[@liany313]

Wow, so wonderful!

[@mplsbetty]

Love this. Thank you for sharing.

[@safepethaven]

Since toothpaste is not allowed, remember that a small box of baking soda is a good alternative for tooth/oral care, and of course is also great for many other uses, including general cleaning and deodorizing. Perhaps wrapped along with the donated toothbrushes, overwrapped in clingwrap to keep clean/dry [and provide the visual associaion] or in a tight fitting ziplock bag. Other items our culture sees as toys/games or fun, such as a skipping rope, can unfortunately in a different scenario become a weapon or a safety hazard. asn eye opener for sure that we often do not think of or understand until brought to our awareness.

[@pegsbarton6353]

Here in the UK we also have Eucryl Toothpowder, you dip in a wet toothbrush and scrub your teeth. It's actually very good for whitening teeth. It comes in flattish round plastic boxes. I hope I can find somewhere that is doing this box scheme, I suspect I am a bit late if they have to be shipped overseas. There may be some UK ones done for disadvantaged kids here, I shall look it up.

[@BudgetGirl]

The baking soda is a good idea, and I never thought that about the jump rope -it's one of the recommended toys on OCC's website.

[@safepethaven]

@@BudgetGirl it should be but in unfamiliar cultures or political strife countries, one never knows what is a low risk ir high risk, especially around children. Likewise getting items for the age range of the shoe box, but not always safe for younger children/siblings [small parts as possible choking hazards, sharp plastic edges, etc.]. Not trying to be scrooge or debbie downer here, but these gifts must be even more mindful for scenarios we personally are often not familiar with, and these are sipposed to be blessings, not potential for injury or harm. Unless we have first hand experience in the communities/living conditions they're being gifted, I'm for erring on the side of safety -- just in case. I personally think jump ropes are a simple, g reat exercise/coordination item. Put many miles on them as a kid in the 1950s and 60s myself. But I did not grow up in a war ravaged village or other envronment where most anything was used as a potential weapon. Sad but true. Maybe there are jump ropes made of something like "pop-beads" [wow REALLY dating myself w/THAT reference!] so that if used as a skip toy, it is fine but like a seat belt, if jerked haard, the links break loose and are no danger. Hey that might be a good invention someone may want to pursue! Oh never mind; too many kids don't get off the couch anyway except the few who do organized sports ;-))

[@safepethaven]

@@pegsbarton6353 Just curious as one with extreme allergies and chemical sensitivities -- does your Eucrl tooth powder have any flavorings, oils etc, or just finely pulverized baking soda [bicarb]? I would refrain from sending anything the children may react to especially if not an item they are accustomed to using. Besides the toothpaste sent formerly may have been a "fluid/transportation" issue, but as a semi-ingestible, it might have been a reactivity thing, too. Neutral baking soda is safetest but every culture has their own protocols for such functions.

[@pegsbarton6353]

@@safepethaven I've honestly never looked at the precise ingredients but I have the box in front of me, here goes... Calcium carbonate; Aqua; Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate; Sodium; Lauryl Sulphate; Flavour; Sodium Saccharin; Cl 45430; Limonene. Quite a list! That's the order they're in on the box. Produced by Thornton & Ross, Huddersfield, England. Having only just read the packaging, it does say keep out of reach of children, but I would assume that's so they don't eat it. Nothing says it is not suitable for use BY children. It is an abrasive, being a powder, so you don't need to use it every day, it is intended for a deep clean/scrub perhaps once or twice a week.

[@christym.814]

Great boxes!

[@bernievandewalker1420]

Awesome Shoeboxes

[@donnawright7906]

I already dropped mine off at my church , so under filled compared to yours. Amazing job! 💗

[@davidwhite9335]

You have really inspired me to do that this year the past few years always said I was gonna do that but I am determined to do it this year I'm gonna start off with1 boy and 1 girl

[@stephaniemiersch]

Great cause and good work on those boxes! I also love your beautiful setting. Is that blue painting on the wall over the desk a DIY project?

[@BudgetGirl]

The one behind me is, but the one to the right was $20 at Ross

[@stephaniemiersch]

@@BudgetGirl Gorgeous AND affordable! Thanks!

[@td6433]

Hi BG A bit off topic, but many thanks for sharing your budget template! I have done my very first zero based budget :-)! I estimate that I would be on DR's Baby Step 4/7 (no debt, no mortgage, no kids), but really want to get a grip on my low income job (totally my choice, I have decided to work part time as I want to reduce my stress and enjoy a more simple and peaceful life). I think it might all work out! Sending love from me and my rescue dog Rudy xx p.s I really enjoy your KZbin vids....

[@bettylou3709]

I am not quite sure how a child who needs a ground cover would use chalk. Maybe you could give me an idea for it so I can include some in future boxes. I always include big soft sets of Jacks and jump ropes every year. We make up four boxes each year two girls and two boys. We also make boxes for nursing homes. Many seniors have no family left. Walmart has senior angel trees with needed items and the name of each person in need. Mostly personal grooming products, socks, slippers, pjs, robes, I like to include a turby twist for the ladies, but for me the gents are a little more difficult. Don't forget a Christmas card with a personal message.

[@tiffanymonroe1067]

If you havent dropped them off yet i would put the crayons in a ziploc bag and then put them back in the water bottle because ive heard some of the operation christmas child folks say that crayons have melted in the boxes in the hot countries some of these are going to.

[@findingaway5512]

I just asked this on Lydia's channel. I was wondering. My kids have left crayons in the car in summer and it was not pretty.

[@angelheart408]

In Australia we can't pack the crayons because our boxes go to hot countries and the crayons melt. I pack pencils and textas instead

[@avacosgrove7725]

tiffany monroe j

[@TheBealles]

Love it! You did an amazing job♥️

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much!

[@juliewillard6932]

Great job budgetgirl, I live in Australia, I packed 93 boxes last year which all went to the Philippines, I’m hoping to pack 100 this year, will see how it goes. I certainly love a nice fat shoebox and yours are definitely full ! Great boxes.

[@BudgetGirl]

that's amazing!

[@lindawilson290]

Super job as usual, BG! Did Jacob join in this year with boxes for boys? Do you ever get to see videos of children opening their boxes (not necessarily yours)? God bless you and you are blessing others. :-)

[@BudgetGirl]

Jacob hasn't done this yet, but perhaps in the future!

[@findingaway5512]

Great job as always!!!!

[@jenis9330]

Absolutelt LOVE the marble wall decor behind you in the video. Did you make it or where did you find it? Also i packed a box for a 10-14 girl this year. I had so much fun packing it. Next year im going to use your idea to use a plastic container instead. Very smart.

[@BudgetGirl]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWqnmJuNequAaa8

[@TheRealLydiaSenn]

I'm watching old videos in prep for our collab and I have to say your hair looks amazing in this video. Okay. Random. Bye!

[@BudgetGirl]

i love you so much.

[@frugaled5187]

I love that you do this every year! Our church has done them in the past and it's so much fun. We heard that someone has to pay money to receive these once they're shipped over. Do you know if there's any truth to that? Hopefully not!! Love all your videos ❤

[@BudgetGirl]

I hope not!

[@noeytindol5529]

The dolls are probably better because they can wash them off. The stuffed animals can get really dirty especially if someone has a mud floor, etc. Dolls are also seen as more special and desired in many countries.

[@BudgetGirl]

Great point on the dolls!

[@cindysams9832]

Great job!

[@michellesunshinestar]

I have so many cavities. My teeth are erally soft (thank you mom's side of the family). I was lucky though, my grandpa was a dentist, so it's important to my family. He's the one that noticed I had an over bite, that we had to correct right away. I keep meaning to do operation Christmas child. Oh, that was an ad!!!!!!!

[@dextermorgan7300]

you should check out kawaii charlie's version of these shoeboxes

[@beverley9491]

It's a shame about the flipflops. I thought that was a great idea for your box, but as you say they won't go to waste. I think I'll do like you and start planning for next year. The back-to-school sales tip was great. I only hear about it when it's close to drop-off time, so it's too late to plan.

[@jessicagray1289]

I also do donations with World Vision you can send them gift packages

[@jessicagray1289]

I let them fill my box up I did mines online 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@oliviaelliott1333]

Great video!

[@HayleyHomemaker]

I love this!

[@noeytindol5529]

The boxes are really thoughtful but why do you take the crayons out? They could use the package to keep their crayons in so they don't get messed up. Also, how do the people go through the boxes and then repack that much back in with so many boxes coming through. It's just something I think about. I love that you do this.

[@icheinfachkunterbunt4263]

Find it really great that you or you alone shoe boxes pact for poor children I felt very inspired to look at and I will certainly bring some of your shoe boxes in connection with me now I'm always looking for new ideas for the shoeboxes around it to optimize my shoe box and I would be glad if you stop by me because I do on my KZbin channel synonymous videos on the subject to German but that's no problem because the video you can still look anyway if you feel like I would be glad if you visit me and leave me a comment as you find it and what could be improved or yes somehow leave a comment because that would be very happy and your videos

[@jeckellhobbs5017]

I loved your video! Your def gunna bless these children of God! Did u buy ur box at dollar tree? I'm always worried they're too small for something like this. God Bless you!

[@BudgetGirl]

Yes, the boxes came from the dollar tree!

[@jeckellhobbs5017]

@@BudgetGirl WOW! You really know how to pack. Lol. Can I call you next time I'm moving?

[@noeytindol5529]

I buy bigger boxes since I'm afraid that when they are opened at the center; the stuff won't be put back in. They'll give up and toss it into another box.

[@iforgettherestwhitman1483]

I've heard on the Samaritan's Purse website that the people going through boxes are trained to maintain the integrity of each box. What comes to the processing center in a box leaves in the same box. The exception would be of the non-allowed items which are replaced with donated items so each box is completely filled. The non-allowed items are passed on to some other charitable group (and not wasted). Even the rubber bands we use to hold boxes together are put inside the box before it is taped up.

[@lilylovesunicorns]

thank you for sharing this information, you are very sweet

[@jessicagray1289]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@findingaway5512]

Do you have to pay the $9 when you drop them off? Can you just drop the boxes off?

[@BudgetGirl]

I paid online which allows me to track where the boxes go!

[@LisaVanGemert]

I have to know the name of the lipstick you're wearing. Sorry to be shallow with such an important topic, but I need it!!!! :-)

[@BudgetGirl]

It's too faced's sell out.

[@LisaVanGemert]

Thank you, and thanks for the great video. I can't believe your mad Tetris skills.

[@butterflyqueen9260]

I think it's a no go for toothpaste due to the fluoride

[@LisaVanGemert]

It's because it's somewhat liquid.

[@angelheart408]

It is because the tube can burst in the box and it regarded as a liquid.

[@nikkibadzik3948]

You're always a cute girl, but you look particularly lovely in this one. And while I am SUPER impressed by your packing skills, I wish you hadn't sped thru that part. I need tips for packing them.

[@butterflyqueen9260]

Link not working

[@rosemarykusak2812]

Sarah, do you then seal the lid on (tape, etc.) so it doesn't pop open? I'd love to do this.

[@BudgetGirl]

Rosemary Kusak yes, rubber bands or tape is recommended!

[@beverley9491]

The staff go thru the boxes and supplement and move things around because sometimes other boxes aren't as filled as others, so it makes it fair on the children. I wouldn't seal them with tape especially as customs might open random boxes as well.

[@BudgetGirl]

It's removable and I'm not sealing the box entirely. It can easily be cut. They tape the boxes at the plant too with the brand tape you see in the videos they put out. Their website says they try not to remove any items from boxes unless they go against the rules. They also have supplementary things to finish filling underfilled boxes.

[@beverley9491]

Cool. I was actually commenting on the original question. I was sure that you were aware of their rules as you’ve been doing this a long time. I’m glad they no longer remove stuff unless it’s necessary. I’d Feel bad for a child to get less than the next one. My sister did this one year through an office Kris Kringle alternative and she filled up a box like you did but another person in the office made the minimal effort possible., so that box was practically bate. This was well over 12 years ago now. As a side note, when did you get a website? I was unaware of that. I’ll be checking that out later for sure.

[@BudgetGirl]

It's brand spanking new! I've been working hard on it for months. Thanks for watching!

[@noeytindol5529]

Have you ever heard back from any of the kids?

[@BudgetGirl]

No, but I've never included my address in. I should.

[@noeytindol5529]

@@BudgetGirl Or your email.