Making pencil packs for the OCC processing center

Making pencil packs for Operation Christmas Child can be so rewarding! Join The Pencil Granny & Friends on Facebook to learn more or comment below with any questions you might have!
www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com
Clear bags.com
Uline.com
Etsy.com
Amazon.com
eBay-3x10 ordered here
Bag sizes are: 2x9, 3x10, 4x10 and quart size baggies
Sharpeners are from Oriental Trading, Dollar Tree, Walmart or Amazon
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Instagram:
Ginadrog

[@kellybenson8626]

Thank you for this helpful video! This is my second year of packing shoeboxes, my first year as an all year packer and I'm hooked. This is the most fun hobby I've ever had! (And cheaper than collecting Star Wars action figures ;) ) I never even heard of pencil packs and I've packed 50 in the last week. I do need to put paper in the mini packs, I can't quite get that fold right (I have always been folding challenged!) but I've done some quart sized ones making use of a ton of Walmart coloring pads and mini notebooks I had ordered from Oriental Trading. Thanks so much and I subscribed to see the rest!

[@drogers]

That is so wonderful! I love packing pencil packs right along with packing shoeboxes as well! It will be so appreciated! Thanks for watching!❤️

[@eastcoaststories]

I absolutely love this video! You are a pencil pack queen! I was struggling to figure out what size to use, thank you for showing the varying sizes you use. I just used regular ziploc bags last year. I agree, I was so happy to see thoughtful pencil packs in the filler bins at the processing center. Thanks for sharing your awesome pencil packs! ✏️✏️✏️

[@drogers]

Ziplock bags are great! And they are easy and quick to fill! My pencil packs were all sent to Baltimore PC and although it seemed like a lot, it is just a drop in the bucket. They probably were gone so fast. That’s why we need more people to pack! Can’t wait to see your more of your vids!

[@valswain]

These are amazing! You pack so much even in the smallest bags. Thanks for the ideas!

[@drogers]

Thank you my virtual shoebox friend! ❤️

[@kristinesharp6286]

I got some pencil pouches in bulk on Amazon and put pencils, sharpener and eraser in them. Waiting until school supply season to add color pencils. This is great for people like myself who can’t sew or make toys. It’s a fun filler item.

[@drogers]

This is absolutely great! It sounds like your pencil packs will be amazing! Thanks for making them! I also ordered some pencil pouches from Amazon but I use them in my shoeboxes. They are very nice quality! Thank you for watching my video!❤️

[@kristinesharp6286]

@@drogers Pencil pounces can be tricky. One year I got Bulk pencil pouches and sharpened pencils but the pouch was too net like and they got stuck. So it’s a good idea to know which kind work in shoeboxes before getting too many for fillers.

[@drogers]

That has happened to me also!!!!

[@FoothillsFamily365]

This is wonderful Denise!! I've heard others mention Pencil Granny, but didn't know it was for the processing center!! I just love this so much ❤ I've already started a box of items for the processing center (first time to do that as well, but inspired by others who shared on here). I'm going to look up the Facebook page and see what we can do 💖 Please keep sharing!

[@drogers]

Thank you Jessica for watching! If you feel led, join the Pencil packing fun! In the meantime, please continue to show your awesome boxes!

[@Vivi13456fgrcbdg]

Great pencil packs! I love the idea of doing themed pencil packs!

[@drogers]

Thank you! Me too! I get a little obsessed with it but it is so much fun! Thanks for watching!

[@-attemptingtherandom-2777]

I gain more confidence the more I watch you. . Thank you for sharing your efforts. . . . . ...

[@drogers]

Glad to hear that! This was one of my first videos! I’m going to do a pencil packing video again in 2023. Just to update it a little. TFW! ❤

[@NikiChicote]

we're new in pencil packing, inspired by the pencil granny as well. never thought of adding paper, will do now! thank you for sharing! 💖💖💖

[@drogers]

Isn’t it fun to do? Thank you for joining in with the Pencil Granny!

[@NikiChicote]

@@drogers yes, i agree with you, its quite relaxing!

[@elizabethc1463]

Pencil packs are so much fun! I love making up pencil packs in different containers! My favorites are in the tennis ball tubes from buying tennis balls from the boxes. I can fit so many different things like extra paper, a math kit, a full box of crayons, ect. Nice video!

[@drogers]

Thank you! Oh I love the tennis ball tubes also! We can put so much in those! I’m making packs right now! It’s a bit addicting! 😀

[@elizabethc1463]

@@drogers It absolutely it! It's hard to stop anything for OCC!

[@fedwards2023]

Hi Denise, I've just watched this Vid. for the second (+) time. And, again, I'm inspired. The activity sheets are a great idea. So, I'm now pulling apart colouring books that I could not send in a Shoebox. But, had some colouring - activity pages that will add a little extra wow to my pencil packs. Not to mention saving on my printing costs. TYS. ✏🖍

[@drogers]

Fiona, that’s awesome! That was one of my very first videos! I’m almost at my yearly goal of 2000 pencil packs! I love making them and it is so needed! So glad you found a little inspiration!💕✏️💕✏️

[@fedwards2023]

@@drogers Congratulations Denise.👏👏 2000 pencil packs is a stella effort!

[@therealsunnylife]

Love these videos, they are very encouraging 😁👍🏼🙏🏼

[@drogers]

You are so welcome Sunny! I need to update it though! It was my first video! Thanks for watching!

[@yvonnestith245]

That is the same reason I started packing pencil packs for Pencil Granny’s and Friends😃

[@annecornine8469]

Than you for showing this...I will make some for my church members!

[@lauraann7816]

As I mentioned earlier, I am a total newbie, and I think this video just gave me a brilliant idea 💡. I host a 4th of July BBQ and a Christmas in July party. At the 4th BBQ we pick names for the Christmas in July grab bag. I'm thinking this year I will hand out empty pencil cases and ask each family to fill one. That would help me with cost, and they could feel involved for a small cost. Back to school items will be lining the shelves by then so there will be lots of fun options available. I know my friends will have no problem skipping our grab bag for this. My goal is to pack one box for each age group for both genders for a total of 6. I am on SSD but I think 6 is a realistic goal, and with my friends joining in I will be better equipped to prepare the boxes. I am so glad I saw this particular video and got this inspiration. Thanks to ALL of you for ALL you do. 🥰

[@drogers]

What a brilliant idea! I hope you are able to do that! Packing pencils and school supplies is a big passion of mine. Being a former teacher and I have a daughter that teaches, I know how important school supplies are and can be treasured by these kids. I’ve seen soooooo many boxes come through the processing center with nothing.. not one pencil… and it breaks my heart. So thank you for packing some this year! It will be greatly appreciated! (I need to do another video like this one that is more recent… I was JUST starting out when I made that one! 😃) Thanks for watching!

[@crazyjedi338]

These are such organized, focused pencil packs! You are so systematic in getting everything to fit!

[@drogers]

Thank you! I love doing it! Filler school supply packs are so needed at the Processing Centers. Thanks for watching! .

[@ceciliadaniels-odum7703]

Enjoyed this information and encouragement. I have not done this yet. I’m increasing my year round clearance shopping and I’m so excited! Thanks for helping me.

[@drogers]

Thanks Cecilia! Oh this video was one of my first! I need to make an updated one this year! The information is still the same though! I’m passionate about pencil packing, that’s for sure! Thanks for watching and yay for year round clearance shopping!!!

[@charlottesshoeboxes3230]

It was lovely to watch how you do pencil packs. I might have to send a few as fillers this year.

[@drogers]

That would be wonderful!❤️

[@melissaflores5466]

Denise I loved this video! I just started following the pencil granny page on Facebook more recently and I love it, I love to see the packed pencil cases and get fun ideas. I have some stuff put aside for some pencil cases this year but I haven’t started assembling any so this video was helpful ❤️❤️

[@drogers]

That’s so great to hear Melissa! I love doing it! I also love seeing all the pencil packs on Pencil Granny’s page. I hope this will encourage others to join in!

[@YoohooBunnyBoo]

I always end up with odd and end extras from making my children’s classmates holiday treat bags. I could make some wonderful filler bags with the years extras. I’m glad this was suggested to me. I know some of the local churches pick up the shoeboxes, perhaps they would take fillers as well. I will call to find out.

[@drogers]

The local churches will take fillers! Just put them in a box marked in big letters FILLER. They will send them to the Processing Center that your boxes go to. Thank you for considering making pencil packs! 🥰

[@christinemccoy1673]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@dreaming9to5]

I include them in my boxes but never thought about donating extra. I will have to buy up extra pencils to donate this year!

[@drogers]

That would be wonderful! They are so needed! You would be surprised how many boxes don’t have school supplies.

[@dawnepayne1314]

Thanks so much for the info! I will definitely be doing pencil packs this year! I am passionate about every child getting to go to school! Thanks again!💜💜💜

[@drogers]

Thanks Dawne! Me too! Glad to hear you will be packing pencil packs this year! Woo hoo! It’s so needed!!!!

[@ScotiaGirl902]

nice idea using those bags as a pencil poach...I have never seen the 4x10 sizes, good idea!

[@Luellen.24]

Great video.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Such a fantastic video, Denise! It is so helpful and inspiring. I love your pencil packing organization box. I am a themeaholic, but it would never have occurred to me to theme the pencil packs, as well. Too cute 🥰. I have never sent pencil packs before, but have been collecting to do so this year. I actually had a pencil packing video planned for this coming weekend, but I think I will wait a few weeks to release it, LOL. I appreciate you sharing your many years of experience and great ideas. 💕💕💕

[@drogers]

Thanks Trish! So happy to hear you’ll be sending some pencil packs in this year! BTW, I found lots of underwear today! Your tip on the 7 count really helped! And one Minnie hat too! Such a great community we have!❤️

[@byrdfeed9071]

@@drogers fantastic! I love hearing when others are able to find those secret deals. I ❤️ our community, too.

[@maritzacopping3976]

Thank you for doing this video.

[@fedwards2023]

Thanks Denise. I love how you include coloured paper and activity sheets in each pack. I have a similar approach to my shoeboxes, including adding party favor colouring/activity books in some of my pencil cases. I am also including stamps, e.g. of animals, as filler. I look forward to seeing more of your Vids.🎁

[@drogers]

Thanks Fiona for watching! Animal stamps sound like a fun filler! They can really use any and everything for filler! Your boxes sound thoughtful and lovely!

[@marieterry625]

Please continue making filler pack videos. I’m continually looking for new ideas. Thank you ✏️📝

[@drogers]

This was an oldie! I think my very first video! Lol…. I need to redo it. Maybe in 2024. Thank you for watching and packing pencil packs!

[@loveinashoebox6509]

This was such a cool video! I love that you are part of the Pencil Granny team💖Thanks for making this needed video!

[@drogers]

Thanks Emily! It really is needed! ❤️

[@emilyslittlebooknook-8043]

I found bulk mini chalk online chalk is very useful to the kids many need it since schools use chalkboard to do work on . For my bigger boxes . I use chalkboard paint and cover the back of a composition notebook so the kids have a mini slate and they can reuse it more than paper I'm wanting to try it with a piece of cardstock or construction paper so I can maybe fold it up and make these mini kits

[@drogers]

I often send chalk in my pencil pack fillers!!!! I wrapped 50 pieces last year with bubble wrap to help protect it from breakage and put it in the larger sleeve. I also like to include it in my boxes. Chalkboard paint is a fantastic idea! I have never tried that! Thanks for sharing and watching!❤️

[@loissorensen3109]

I notice in the background the box from Geddes. I order from them a lot!!

[@drogers]

I love ordering from Geddes! Great quality! I also order from them a lot!

[@bernievandewalker1420]

I was going to put paper in mine this year and then I wondered if the PC would have to open the pack and check the paper. Do you know so I can do the paper next year. Beautiful pencil and fun packs.

[@drogers]

No, they will not have to open it up to check the paper. Thank you for doing pencil packs this year! It is so badly needed! God bless you! 🥰

[@LKJagoda]

Nice Video. Hope you don't mind if I send it on to some friends who have asked me about making pencil packs. :)

[@drogers]

Not at all! Share to anyone and everyone interested in making pencil packs! Thank you for watching!