Operation Christmas Child - Day 1 Take Away at the Baltimore Processing Center! 2024

[@Nancy-pj7xt]

Thank you for the update Denise. I am glad that I not only packed 134 boxes this year but sent in 21 large boxes of filler that included pencil packs with paper. My hope is that every child gets an opportunity to learn about Jesus and welcome him in his life and also have the tools necessary to go to school.

[@drogers]

Thank you Nancy. Tools necessary to go to school is high on my list too! Thank you for packing filler in addition to your boxes this year! What a blessing! 🥰

[@sarahguilkey9621]

Thank you for highlighting this need. I’m planning to pack more filler for 2025 and it helps to know what items are needed the most.

[@drogers]

I’ll have more to share once I work a few more shifts. Today was a little better but still hard to fill empty boxes with what we had.

[@eveb446]

Hello Denise: I, too, volunteered at the new location of the OCC processing centre, here in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. I was very fortunate to be on the very first shift, at this new location. I saw that many boxes came in without toothbrushes, pencils, notebooks/exercise books, colouring books and colouring pencils. So I will have to start packing boxes of filler as well as my shoeboxes. I thoroughly enjoyed my very first experience at the OCC processing centre. I will be going back on December 6/2024, to do it all over again.

[@nodrogytsirk]

I’m about 2 hours from Toronto. Maybe someday I can help there. I sent about 6 boxes of filler and will be sending more after seeing all these videos asking for filler!

[@drogers]

That’s wonderful! I have friends going to work there too! Many boxes do not have school supplies which is why I send pencil packs also. Enjoy your next shift on the 6th! I am going back to Baltimore today and pray for good filler and full boxes! 🥰

[@drogers]

Thank you for sending filler! What a blessing it will be! 🥰

[@eveb446]

@@drogers Thank you so very much for your encouragement. I will have to start shopping for my 2025 OCC shoeboxes and pencil packs, and general filler items. God bless you for all that you do for others.

[@marieterry625]

I love videos with filler ideas. Thank you!

[@drogers]

You are welcome!🤗

[@dilailamarie6549]

everything is so cute🥺💜

[@drogers]

Thank you!!!😊

[@Maylinn737]

I sent 10 boxes of filler including 2 small boxes of paper filler. I included notebook paper, blank paper, Graph paper and construction paper. At first I was hesitant to send them as they didn't seem like much but now I'm glad I did

[@drogers]

That’s amazing! I could have really used it! It’s a perfect item to send! Thank you!

[@denise5457]

I'm going down to the basement to pack more filler now. 😂

[@drogers]

@@denise5457 😂😂😂😂😂You go girl!!!!

[@lindad1195]

God bless you and your hard work and generosity!

[@drogers]

Thank you Linda. I’m trying. 🥰

[@pamray3118]

Thanks so much for your update. I definitely will pick up filler paper when school supplies go on sale and donate as filler for next year.I just never thought notebook paper could make such a difference because I just knew that I would include at least one notebook and lots of school supplies for all that I packed for the littles. Such an easy filler item to pick up, paper. Keep us posted. I’m on it for next year.❤️‍🩹

[@drogers]

Yes! Paper is a huge hit! Definitely a perfect filler item! Thanks so much! Hopefully tomorrow is better!!!🙏🏻🤞🏻

[@valswain]

I keep packing filler too to take with me next week because you and others have been saying the same thing - that filler is greatly needed! TFS, Denise. I love these videos made by those already working in the field, so to speak. 😊❤️

[@drogers]

@@valswain I’ve seen your filler on Instagram and it is wonderful! Such blessings! Yes, greatly needed. I hope Aurora is better!

[@dalehighnote6958]

Since several of our influencers were asking for more filler, we made up 3 more boxes. Church coordinator is going to take with her to the Atlanta PC. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@drogers]

That’s wonderful to hear! I go back tomorrow! I’m praying it’s better! I’m bringing more with me!

[@sendingshoeboxes6090]

I just love these! You always give me such great filler ideas. My son and I have started working on some filler for next year and were having a blast!

[@drogers]

Awesome! I really love creating filler! Just left the PC! I saw a lot of my own filler being put out as I left! Made me happy to know that it will bless a box!

[@fedwards2023]

Hi Denise, Thank you for sharing your experience at the Processing Centre. I note the high emotions on the issue of underfilled shoeboxes and the "perceived" lack of appropriate filler items. These issues are also observed in AU with the question, WHY, repetively asked. If we are willing to accept that not all shoeboxes will be packed according to our personal standards or preferences, I believe this also needs to extend to filler. For example , perhaps the Corporate Volunteers need to see their branding in the filler bins to begin to connect the dots on the importance of packing a fun, full and personal shoebox. Perhaps then, conversations can be started on how Corporates can make donations of filler items that may be better aligned to our personal preferences and standards ... or start packing their own boxes!

[@drogers]

Filler was a tiny bit better today but still a challenge. I’m not even saying or trying to make the boxes up to my standards. I’m just trying make them presentable. And yes, while the filler is not up to my standards, I have accepted that; but just because it is donated does not necessarily make it a good shoebox item to pack.,I have voiced this in my survey upon shift completion to OCC. What’s the sense of having an item in our bins that does not even fit into a go box? Or items that we as processors don’t even know what it is? Just my thoughts. I’m sorry AU has the same issues.

[@fedwards2023]

@drogers Excellent points Denise. I now understand your frustration.

[@KellysKidz]

I'm definitely upping my filler game for 2025! Even just simple donations of paper like you said can be so helpful!

[@drogers]

Yes! Paper is so easy! What I really wish is that every processing table had a big box of pre-sharpened pencils for us to put a few in each box in addition to paper!!! Hope you are enjoying Atlanta!❤

[@sarahschreffler5407]

@@drogers I sent all our leftover pencils and paper after making up boxes. But I didn't sort anything together and have since learned that at least the smaller items (pencil cap erasers, small balls, animals, etc) probably need to be put into kits to be useable at the stations.

[@annecornine8469]

Gee whiz Denise....this is my 4th year doing OCC shoeboxes. First time that I sent 2 boxes of filler along with my boxes. After I saw your video where you mentioned you brought 3 carloads of filler to the processing center...I felt like I had been kicked in the gut. Ouch!! I can't help anymore this year...but I can start on filler for 2025...& that is a promise!! I also help with Fostering Hope here in SC & the Angel Tree donations... keep up your good work..I love your videos..... ❤

[@drogers]

@@annecornine8469 thank you Anne for all your good work! How giving you are! Thank you! 2 boxes of filler is wonderful! I imagine if everyone could send in one box of filler, it would be so much better! I’ll continue to keep packing it and encouraging next year too. 🥰

[@withloveIva]

OMG! I was waiting for this LOL I just finished watching Kit Nicoles videos and Blessed and OCC Obesseds too!

[@drogers]

Yep…. All sharing our experiences !

[@sk8rmom222]

You are a CHAMPION!!! A bunch more filler on the fly. I sent in 15 boxes of filler but went to Atlanta. Prayers for FULL bins on your next shifts!

[@drogers]

I’m praying for full bins too! Amen! We shall see tomorrow!!!! Thank you for your wonderful filler! It will be such a blessing!!!!

[@joye2835]

Love your filler! My husband and I are going to the Dallas PC next week and we’re taking about 20 boxes of school supply packs. Hope it helps lots of boxes!

[@drogers]

Bless you! That’s awesome! I’m taking more tomorrow morning!!! Have fun at the PC!!!

[@Carolann_237]

Thank for helping to fill the needs in Baltimore. It would be interesting to see what they do with the fillers after they are dropped off. I have yet to see all the beautiful filler made and shown on KZbin.

[@drogers]

I haven’t seen it yet either! I’m praying I see some tomorrow!🙏🏻🤞🏻And usually after I drop off filler, it takes a day or so before it hits the floor. I believe it all has to be inspected.

[@dawngarrison46]

Hi Denise, I made over 400 pencil packs and a lot of other fillers I’m from New Jersey I hope they go to Baltimore processing center. God bless.

[@drogers]

Bless your efforts! I’m sure they will be such great additions to the filler bins! I’m praying for a better day tomorrow!

[@annetteh.26]

Love your filler! I'm going to Atlanta 9th-10th and bringing lots of pencil packs for filler and some playdough.

[@drogers]

Thanks Annette! Have fun in Atlanta! Pencil packs and play dough will be awesome filler!!!!

[@Sophie-46-zart]

I would love to see you using some filler in those shoeboxes and showing your work at the processing centre :) Best wishes

[@drogers]

Yesterday my pencil packs and jewelry filler packs showed up in my bins at just the right time! They both were great additions to the boxes we were processing!!! I took a few picks that I’ll share in another video!

[@dianaruthshoeboxes]

I love the new fillers you are sending. The labels with "do not separate" ive never seen that before. Is there a problem with people getting into the individual fillers? I love the hair accessories fillers too. Thank you for showing the fillers at your table and I hope you see pencil packs next time you go. And how nice to see your hubby went with you! Thanks for sharing, Denise. 🎀✏️

[@drogers]

@@dianaruthshoeboxes thanks Diana! Well on Tuesday I had a beautiful hygiene kit including a beautiful hairbrush. I only saw one. But then a bit later I saw remnants of one that had been separated out. So after that I decided to write on the label to not separate. I can only hope it helps but I have no control really. 🤷🏻‍♀️I hope … no I pray that I see pencil packs tomorrow!!!! Hubby had fun! He pretends that he doesn’t want to go but then he goes and LOVES it! He’s deeply religious and loves the prayer time and music. The whole experience really. He likes to cartonize.😂TFW!!!!

[@dianaruthshoeboxes]

@drogers oh, that's awesome he enjoyed. My husband basically said the same...he said "I'll tape the boxes" 😆 Interesting about the hygiene kit and it makes sense.

[@maritzacopping3309]

Can’t believe you made more fillers! And they are so pretty. Hope they make it to your station. Yet again, another year where boxes need help. Disappointing we’re still having this issue.

[@drogers]

@@maritzacopping3309 I know. I wish I knew how to fix it. I’ll just keep encouraging and educating….and praying. 🙏🏻

[@Alicia100ish]

Beautiful filler packs! I’ve never heard anyone talk about filler in the UK , it’s something I’ll have to look into 🤔 I’m curious now!

[@drogers]

Is there a processing center in the UK?

[@Alicia100ish]

@ oh yes we have processing centres just like you I’ve just never heard anyone mention or talk about filler - then again you don’t hear people talk about OCC that much here. I’ve never been to a processing centre as my nearest is quite far away and I have little ones. I’d like to volunteer in the future though 🥰

[@drogers]

@ you should if you can! It’s a great experience!❤️

[@Alicia100ish]

I did some browsing online and apparently filler in the UK is taken from businesses & organisations who donate their end of line & overrun items . You can fill out a form on our website with your details but it asks for a company name . Makes sense now why I’ve never heard anyone talk about filler here. I’m learning all the time!

[@drogers]

@ well it works the same way in the US. But we can still drop off filler from individual packers at the Drop off locations or the PC. Maybe ask Charlotte?🤷🏻‍♀️

[@shescraftea9107]

I'm curious of what items are being removed and how common that is. I'll keep in mind doing filler packs for next year.

[@drogers]

Unfortunately it is still pretty common. On this day we had to remove soap from EVERY box because the receiving country was Tanzania. Tanzania does not accept soap. Other items that were removed were used clothing, used toys, food, liquid items, bubbles, toothpaste, and toys with liquid in them to name a few.

[@bernievandewalker1420]

I feel the filler is on OCC. They know what will be needed and should make sure it is available. I am more than glad to send filler in but this is not our resonablity.

[@drogers]

I definitely made note of the issue in my survey.

[@kadiebopp8268]

I was in Texas but I could never figure out what those metal square things were.

[@drogers]

They were suppose to be bracelets but you could have fooled me! 🙄

[@kadiebopp8268]

@ we usually go to Aurora but tried Texas this year. We liked Aurora better but I did get to meet Tiffany with Blessed and OCC Obsessed 🙂

[@drogers]

@@kadiebopp8268 that’s awesome!!!

[@withloveIva]

How wonderful! I think I am going to make some small pencil packs to bring up to Atlanta on Friday! We are taking a 15-passenger van from Orlando to the processing center. If I bring filler, can I bring it with me to the table I am working on or do I have to turn it in?

[@annetteh.26]

I think you have to turn it in, but Denise may know for sure.

[@drogers]

You must turn the filler in. I believe it must all be inspected before going out in the floor. I did hear one year Boone allowed people to bring it to their table but I believe that was an exception.

[@withloveIva]

Thank you both for your replies!

[@SharonLaBolle-u6d]

Sad that people don't send school supplies. We can buy them so cheaply in May and June, almost for pennies!

[@fiddlejillm]

From your experience, what is the percentage of boxes that end up needing filler?

[@drogers]

@@fiddlejillm on THIS particular day it was at least 75% because we had to remove soap from every box. Tanzania (which was the destination) does not allow soap.

[@fiddlejillm]

@@drogers thanks for answering! I opted not to put soap in any of my boxes this year and I'm so glad I made that decision.

[@coffeepotmommah7291]

Denise, I have stuff, how can I get it a "ride" to a processing center. Like with a volunteer from my area. Louisville KY. How could I go about finding someone who's heading there and take it? I never could get the drop off location on the app to give me an answer to drop off my boxes and filler. Im thinking of taking them apart and making filler bags.

[@coffeepotmommah7291]

Also, how many weeks does the processing take is there still time to send filler?

[@drogers]

Yes, there is still time to send filler if you can hit hitch it a ride. You could post it in a few occ facebooks group or in your church to see if someone would be willing to take it all. 🙏🏻🥰

[@coffeepotmommah7291]

@@drogers THANK YOU!!!

[@melpotvin8771]

This is beyond frustrating. Samaritan’s Purse OCC rules are very small. To pack anything inappropriate is unbelievable. There needs to be a different way in giving directions. There are many doing their best packing shoeboxes and you can see their efforts. Their boxes are full, packed with love and will make any child happy. But the disappointment in half full boxes is high. Seeing you do more to make fillers for what others don’t do is hard to watch. I know this is a gift to spread the love of Jesus but they’re still kids. What does Samaritan’s Purse need to do to get us to do better? Feel bad for you and especially the kids.

[@annetteh.26]

SP does a great job. That's just the way it is with people. I can give the exact same directions to 50 people at a packing party and still get boxes that leave out something I listed as essential and have marked on the table. So when some people get a brochure or hear about it, they will not retain all info either. I even went to a church packing party one time and the boxes were half full when done and I was so disappointed, but I was not in charge and could not really do anything. I called SP and told them, and they nicely told me it could be filled at the center. So just keep educating people where you can and pray for all the boxes and packers.❤🙏

[@mariacontreras4368]

Es muy frustrante porque solo hay que prestar atención y tomárselo en serio. ¿Qué es lo que la gente no entiende? Me da mucha rabia que manden cajas medio vacías.

[@drogers]

Education, education, education ESPECIALLY at the church participation level. Well managed packing parties too.