Operation Christmas Child OCC-My Experience Working at the Processing Center!

[@greatergood4195]

Thank you for making this video and letting packers know that sending filler items is very important. Beautiful scripture sharing!

[@christym.814]

Thank you! Have you ever been to the processing center to volunteer?

[@triciahulehan47]

In the last few years, I had been sewing dresses for Dress a Girl and feminine pad kits following Days for Girls instructions. Since both those organizations said to send them this year to Operation Christmas Child, I started putting together boxes but had way more dresses and pad kits than I had boxes and extra items to fill the boxes. I was thrilled to learn that I could send all my extra dresses as fillers. I enjoyed putting together sewing kits as well. I think I will continue to focus on sewing dresses, pad kits, and making sewing kits. I have learned so much from your videos!! thank you so much for sharing your box preparations as well as your experience at the processing center. God bless you.

[@triciahulehan47]

I also love to sew blanket lovies and will continue to make those since I learned it is a nice fill in item. The softer the better!

[@christym.814]

Yes, yes, yes!! Those are treasures to the people working in the processing center. We would hold up the nice, homemade items like that and oooh and ahhh. It was thrilling to be able to use those items in shoeboxes that were half full. One lady (on our team) who had worked at the processing center for years saw her very first sewing kit with material in a 10-14 girl’s box this year. She loved it. I packed several, but I didn’t know they were rare. An older girl will treasure a gift like that. Thank you for all you’re doing for the Lord and the children!

[@mamabug8321]

I hope your video reaches who need to hear it. The boxes are a gift with a recipient who should be the priority always. We did a box for every week of the year and ensured the top 4 were included in each box and packed them full of quality items for all age groups. We originally planned on 50 boxes but a box of extra toys came to us accidentally due to a shipping error and the store said to keep them vs shipping them back so we made 2 more great boxes with the contents!

[@christym.814]

The extra box of toys was no accident! 🙌🙌 I love hearing that you made so many boxes for the children. You made them with love too! That makes me so happy! ❤️

[@stephensfamily5699]

Thanks for all your videos. I've been binge watching these past few days. I did some boxes years ago but I found it stressful. All this information has been so helpful. I've started collecting school supplies. I'm nearly done. I've begun sewing dresses and totes. Will be making plushies next. Every time I go out I'll be collecting hygiene items. Having a clear plan is making this process so joyful. ❤

[@NikiChicote]

yes, big 4 definitely! in the coming year, we will be able to pack more backpacks, we recently found good quality bags on sale for a $1 at our local walmart. and have already purchased 40 beanie babies from a collection! its going to be an exciting year!

[@clover6154]

First item I bought for my boxes were the $4 backpacks from dollarama! Off to find the Walmart ones this week 😃

[@christym.814]

Whoo-hoo! Fantastic news!

[@jenniferc60]

I always include the big 4 in my shoeboxes, but I think I will expand on the school supplies next year. I'll add scissors, glue sticks and maybe some construction paper. I pack boxes for older kids (10-14) and I'm feeling a calling to pack shoes for the upcoming year. Thanks for all the info.

[@christym.814]

That’s amazing!! Yay!

[@fedwards2023]

Hi Jennifer, I also have call for shoes this year. And have shoes for boys and girls of all ages. I also have a few shoeboxes with complete outfits - right down to matching hair accessories or bags (like Christy showed). My advice if you have a call for shoes then I encourage you to follow it and keep an eye out for randomly placed items. It is these items like canvas sneakers for a $1 that enable me to put together whole outfits.👕👖👟🎒

[@jenniferc60]

@@fedwards2023 Thanks for the advice. I'll keep an eye out . I'm sure those lucky kids will love those thoughtful outfits your putting together for them. God bless you.

[@dollrose3085]

Thank you for taking the time to go through what is happening at the processing center. I truly appreciate that you care so much to make sure everyone packs a thoughtful shoebox with great items and not cheap stuff that’s breakable after a few uses. My first time I packed a shoebox was over 10 years ago and I remember putting mini American Girl dolls in the girl boxes. I put those there because I wanted to give from my heart and to someone that would appreciate them as much as my daughter does. There are so many great “wow” items out there if people sacrifice their time and energy to shop somewhere else besides Dollar Tree. They have great Barbie dolls on clearance at Walmart and Target. The possibilities are endless. Thanks again and you are a kind, caring, humble and thoughtful person. May God bless your great heart ❤️

[@christym.814]

Awww! Thank you. I’ve sent American Girl doll items too because my own daughters got such joy out of them. This year one my boxes had an AG “Lego “ set that I found at TJ Maxx. I love hearing from others who are putting thoughtful, long-lasting items in their boxes. You’re right in wall you said. I hope my videos inspire people to shop early to get deals so they can send nicer things for less.

[@dollrose3085]

Christy M. You’re welcome 😉 I’m so glad! The kids will love those quality toys 😀 It’s so much fun to shop ahead of time like you mentioned because you can buy quality toys on sale/clearance ☺️ God continue bless you 🙏🏻💗

[@clover6154]

Thank you for sharing Christy! I have learnt so much from you & Michelle this season. I also include your big 4, and have a few other necessities: I’m in Canada so our boxes go to HOT climates therefore I include a water bottle and a bandana. And several good QUALITY erasers, when I heard about erasing the paper to reuse that just hurt my heart! Thank you for sharing you opinions with us :)

[@clover6154]

Oh and of course a colorful letter and photo 🇨🇦

[@clover6154]

What I felt lead to buy were the tins of math instruments! Protractor, rulers, compass but also another sharpener, eraser and more space too add golf pencils! I added as many golf pencils as I could, they are small n fit almost anywhere!

[@christym.814]

@@clover6154 sounds like you have many great ideas! I love what you sent. ❤️

[@FoothillsFamily365]

This was so helpful 🥰 I've never had the opportunity to go to the processing center, so it was nice to see hear how they operate! I will definitely keep doing the Fab Four 😊 thank you for sharing! 🥰🥰

[@thierrymunseugandachildren802]

Can't wait to see the next boxes

[@fedwards2023]

Hi Christy, Thanks for sharing your reflections about sacrifice. This year, I decided I could save a few dollars by not buying a take away coffee. A few days later, I was in a clearance grocery store and found two brand name water bottles for the price of a coffee. Further down the isle, I picked up a small bottle of soda for 20 cents. I felt doubly blessed that day!😊

[@christym.814]

Wow! That’s amazing! I do think God blesses us when he knows we are sacrificing for his children. ❤️

[@tiffanyhatcher310]

I appreciate this video. I have been called to do this and I am trying to learn. I saw a lot of people doing all Dollar Tree items and I thought I had the wrong idea. I found your channel and others to support my thought. My goal is 6 this year with a plan for more next year as I know better how to find deals now.

[@christym.814]

That sounds like a great plan! I started with 3 then grew to 8 then 15 and so on. You may be surprised as God provides for your boxes. ❤️

[@sarabethmattis6099]

The big 4! 1) Plush - maybe a beanie baby 2) school supplies - pens, pencils, sharpener, notebook, glue stick, scissors, eraser 3) toothbrush washcloth and soap 4) backpack / drawstring bag

[@charlottesshoeboxes3230]

Thank you for this amazing video. You have delivered this in a sensitive way. Yes, we need to continue to educate people to include the main items. Would you mind if I shared your video in my Facebook group?

[@christym.814]

Please share! I wish I had known these details earlier in my journey. ❤️

[@narnia1233]

I agree with you on everything you said. Made me tear up when you said it’s a gift to Jesus. So true. For several years now I do 3 boxes total and have gone overboard with them, but I feel bad about that this year since I volunteered to pack boxes at my church which is one that collects from multiple churches and sends them to the processing center and I saw how my boxes weren’t the correct size, too big. Next year I will do better, I actually learned my church gives out official operation Christmas boxes for free so I will get those next time. I haven’t ever been to the processing center before but want to someday. And I also buy gifts for kids in my local community which has a holiday drive each year. But yeah, I need to better manage my cost. But yes, I definitely see it like you that each box is to someone special and I will always treat it like that. Hope more people do that too. Or maybe we can learn how to donate filler items. I have to admit I don’t know how to send filler items to the processing center. That could be interesting to learn. Thanks for the video though, glad to hear it was busy and a wonderful experience! I want to go someday too. But yep, this year I did help pack boxes for the first time ever at my church and I loved it.

[@christym.814]

I do have a couple of videos about sending fillers you can check out. They should answer your questions. We’re all on a shoebox journey-learning as we go! It’s great that you’re going to get boxes from your church!

[@narnia1233]

@@christym.814 Yep, and gotcha, I will look for those videos on how to donate filler items.

[@karinaxoxo5149]

THANKYOU!!!!im so excited to do this next year and have wanted information like this for ages, thankyou thankyou thankyou.

[@christym.814]

Karina, if you think of any questions, ask. One thing I didn’t have time to mention was box size. This experience made me realize that using a big box (bigger than OCC boxes) isn’t a good idea. It throws off the average count in the cartons, so they can’t get 14 in. We had a big batch of the shoeboxes YOU use and they were nice and full with good items. We were cheering for whoever made them. And they fit in the crates easily making the number more than 14!

[@karinaxoxo5149]

Christy M. Wonderful to know, I was thinking what to do for boxes next year.thankyou so much

[@karinaxoxo5149]

Christy M. I’m using u.s newer boxes next year I think...so a bit bigger =)

[@christym.814]

@@karinaxoxo5149 I’ve already been shocked by what you were able to fit in the small ones. Now I’ll be able to confirm you’re a magician!

[@karinaxoxo5149]

Christy M. Hahaha a magician who takes hours to close one box.the thing is though after they’ve been closed once with bands when u open them again it’s easy to close up next time cos you’ve moulded the box to the stuff 🧐LOL maybe I am a magician

[@melissaflores5466]

I loved the sincerity of this video, sharing your experience at the processing center and being honest about being overwhelmed in the beginning! I think it will really bless others who may be a little scared to volunteer, I know I would have some butterflies in the beginning too! Such good information. I have already found some good deals for 2021 ,and Instead of just buying maybe 2 like I normally would I have been buying several to add as filler. Last year I didn’t really buy things for filler until closer to the end because It’s not something I have done before. I look forward to what my stockpile will look like for 2021 to bless more children! ❤️💛💜

[@lindampartin5236]

Thanks for the update. I asked some church friend's, family, and associates if they would like to donate school supplies. Up to 196 pencil pouches, with sharpener, eraser's, glue sticks and siccors. Up 223 spiral notebooks and composition books. So I would suggest asking friend's to donate fillers. Everyone has thanked me for letting them help. I thank God be they are willing.

[@christym.814]

Awesome! I have found the same thing. When I ask for help, some have volunteered labor (packing pouches or shoeboxes) others have been donating items I need or that they found on sale. It’s truly a community effort that they enjoy being a part of. I also thank God for sending people my way to help! To him be the glory!

[@lindampartin5236]

@@christym.814 To God be the glory. I have also found if I tell employees why I am buying shoebox items, some of them are curious. I explain, tell them the website and they plan to pack a box. It's so exciting

[@StarshineStranger]

I think this should be required viewing for new shoebox packers, Christy! 😍 I personally cannot pack boxes myself, but I packed four online at the Samaritan's Purse website this year, and I can only hope I got someone half as knowledgeable and kindhearted as you to pack my boxes at the processing center. :') Binge watching your videos have just ruined me for other OCC unboxing videos as well, because now I'm constantly going "Take off the packaging first! Fold that shirt tighter! Why didn't you put in a stuffed animal?! You could fit at LEAST four more things in there if you really squished it, come on!" so thanks for that. :P I know that girl who receives the pony/princess crown and wand box will just love it! I loved playing with all kinds of toys when I was a kid, from Barbies to beanie babies to Lincoln logs to tinker toys to blocks to LEGOs, so I'm sure she'll get a bunch of enjoyment out of the original items in it as well (those oversized socks can be a gift to someone else in her family, or if someone she knows can sew, they can turn them into a cute little stuffed plush like one of these for her www.diyncrafts.com/16483/repurpose/25-adorable-diy-sock-toys). What did you end up doing with all the illegal items you took out of the shoeboxes, though? Did the volunteers take those home? Were they set aside for other donation projects? What about the checks, did you just shred them?

[@christym.814]

I loved this funny message! 😂 The illegal items (mostly food, body wash and toothpaste) are placed in a bucket under the table and are used by Samaritan’s Purse’s other projects. The checks go in a slot in the table. They are collected for depositing to pay for shipping costs. And (shhh) just for your ears, I removed some packaging while I was working so it would be easier and faster to get all the items back in the box. I hated sending all that trash in a box to a country that doesn’t have trash removal. (There were no rules about removing packaging)

[@graceheth4644]

I am so happy I found your channel! I have backed shoeboxs before but this year felt very led to look into what would be the best items to add to box's. I plan on adding the big 4 and also plan to share this info with my church on Sunday. Thank you and God bless.

[@christym.814]

Grace, thank you for telling me! Great news! ❤️ May God bless your shoebox journey! Run the race to win. ☀️

[@charlottesshoeboxes3230]

The 'best' wow item I have sent was a baby doll with an outfit I'd knitted. The little girl got a matching hat, mittens and purse made with the same yarn. A real God moment was finding a discounted train set. I managed to stuff it all in and even got an email from the recipient's family. I always include the main 4 items except the bag. I must keep my eyes peeled for some good deals in future.

[@christym.814]

As we were working in the processing center we would stop and admire those special homemade items like you made. I’m sure it was cherished by the girl who received it. ❤️

[@christym.814]

Did you cry when you received that email? What did he say? It’s so thrilling to hear from a person who received your box!!

[@charlottesshoeboxes3230]

@@christym.814 it was from the Aunty of a boy in Romania. It was a simple thank you and included two photos of him playing with his train set. I was overjoyed because I visited Romania in 1998.

[@christym.814]

@@charlottesshoeboxes3230 🥰🥰🥰

[@lindahitchcock7112]

I usually include a soft toy in each box but varying sizes depending on what else I include in the box. I always send school supplies in 5-9 and 10-14 boxes but my school supply list may be slightly different than yours. I include bags if God provides them in my budg. I believe all my boxes had a bag this year but not all of them were backpacks.

[@blessingsinashoebox354]

Please check out website blessingsinashoebox.com I found a great deal on high quality backpacks that pack up small enough to include in your shoeboxes with all the other "must have" and additional items. Look on our bargains page. May God bless you as you pack your shoeboxes.

[@marilyn3152]

Hi. I think a piece of clothing is a must. That is how I always start. Underwares for girls and socks for everyone ... at least. Thanks for the sharing!

[@christym.814]

I agree, especially with the underwear! I saw one box that had underwear nicely rolled up (girls) and placed in a zipper pouch. I do think it’s an essential item. We were sending to a hot nation, so the socks were nice but not as a essential. I do always send socks and underwear. I can’t imagine not having easy access to such essential items. Thank you for all you do for the children with OCC! Each box we make matters more than we know. ❤️

[@anyat686]

I can’t believe you guilted me to going back out the the shop this morning to get “cute cuddly toys” to squash into my already jam packed boxes. They are called “bobballs” €3 😂😂. I think the point being is that there’s always room. Yes. I feel better 🎉

[@christym.814]

Anya, thank you for sharing! 🤣 It’s a lovely and very positive story! God bless you as you pack. ❤️

[@KarenYork-t2c]

Thank you for sharing your experience at the processing center. It really helps me give more thought as to what needs packed and has motivated me to want to be sure to start planning specific filler items for the processing center. Boone happens to be where our area team shoeboxes go to be processed. Now I will be more proactive at sending in nice fillers and not just shoeboxes! We do always try to send school supplies ( but can do better), soap and washcloth and a stuffed item like animals or holiday figures. But now know how to do better!

[@marieterry625]

Christy, I know this video was from 3 years ago but it is imperative that this type of message gets out to the masses. I know this is the last year for soap, so perhaps you would consider doing a similar updated message. Love your heart!

[@christym.814]

I’ll work on it. 😊

[@lindahitchcock7112]

My favorite wow items I sent was a designer wallet for a teen girl and the two soccer balls I sent for the first time this year for boys. My son said his favorite wow items he sent was a nice watch and a large soft stuffed lion. My daughter said her best wow item was a lego set for a girl. We plan to send the 4 but maybe slightly different than yours. Thanks for sharing about your experience. I would love to go in 3 years to the processing center when my daughter is old enough to participate too. God bless you!

[@christym.814]

Excellent! I love the variety of you wow items! I saw two mother daughter teams. Great idea!

[@fedwards2023]

On the topic of draw string bags. For Australian shoeboxers, Kmart has a great range of these for boys and girls. I have picked up several on clearance for $2. Normal retail is $4 and $5 for a lined / swim bag.

[@christym.814]

That’s fantastic! I’m glad you’re finding such great deals. ❤️

[@SavannahRoseWarren]

Thank you for this important video. I am inspired to send 2 paper notebooks in all my boxes from now on. I mostly pack for 10-14 year old boys and have not included a stuffed animal but you have changed my mind! The Holy Spirit recently helped me find great deals on stainless steel cross necklaces for my boys at Hobby Lobby. I had been running into pricey options on Amazon and no luck but hobby libby had chain necklaces half off and then the cross charm itself was $1.29. The average total cost was around $3 per necklace! Praise Jesus!!!!

[@juliealexanderturner1935]

Thank you so much for your videos. Favorite Wow Item; wrist watch that is also an alarm and timer; waterbottle with filter and reusable pads. This is my first year packing a box and our Churches first time promoting OCC. Thanks to your videos and other OCC KZbinrs I knew what I needed to include but I really over did it. I’m praying that it was God led and that my 2 big boxes go to someone who can share it with someone they love. We did 3 Girls 10-14 boxes. For 2024 my husband and I want to start a year around OCC packing program at our church. We are gathering information on how to fund this and what we should expect to spend on this as a church. We are in central Florida. If anyone on here is a project leader in central FL please help me out.

[@christym.814]

Sounds great! It’s a life changing ministry that blesses many around the world! I love that so many children hear the Gospel for the first time through Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. 😊

[@melodymills5432]

New subscriber. Thank you for the insight to the processing center...I hope to do that someday.

[@christym.814]

Melody, thank you! You will love helping at the processing center! I learned so much. Plus it’s fun. Time flies! And it’s a moving experience. Every person is there united for the same reason, under God, for the furthering of the Gospel. Praise God for OCC!

[@sarabethmattis6099]

I’ve read that the kids enjoy unpacking things themselves too, so while it saves space, it kinda also robs joy. I try to be mindful of the items I buy to have like minimal packaging, but I include as much of it as I can.

[@sarabethmattis6099]

From a child who wrote a comment on a video like this who had received a box, themselves.

[@Kit.Nicole]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am planning on adding more plush toys to my boxes next year. I found this plush doll that I'm really excited to put in! A few years ago I found a bunch of bags that were about 25 cents each and of decent quality. I'm still going through them, haha. Question though: Did you have any boxes breaking during your shifts? I've heard that the thinner plastic ones tend to do so.

[@christym.814]

Oh, what a great question! We saw only a very few (1 or 2) of those Dollar Tree plastic boxes and they were fine. Most of the boxes we got were OCC boxes. About 25% were cardboard shoeboxes that shoes come in.

[@lindaplumley4060]

Greetings from snow-covered Barboursville, West Virginia! I am a brand new subscriber who has been packing shoeboxes for about 8 years and I am so happy to have found your KZbin channel. I have learned so much valuable information that will help me when packing boxes in the future! I have two questions: (1) Who is Michelle? Is she someone who also has a KZbin following? (2) When donating a box of fillers, would I just place them all in an OCC box? Do I pay shipping on that box, etc? May I also say that you have what it takes to do what you are doing! You appear comfortable in front of the camera, offer AMAZING advice and clearly have a love for the Lord that comes through effortlessly! It’s inspirational and refreshing. It’s no accident you have these talents and are doing exactly what you should be doing! 🙏🌎⛪️❤️

[@christym.814]

Hi, Linda! You’re so kind. ❤️ I never thought I would be doing what I’m doing with this channel, but I sensed God’s leading, and knew I was supposed to just encourage people in their shoebox journey. 😊 So I’m glad you’re finding inspiration for your shoeboxes from my videos. (1.)Let me tell you about Michelle. She reached out to me last year-maybe in March-through an email. She introduced herself and volunteered to help me finish making lovies I had started but couldn’t finish because my sewing machine broke. She had an idea about collaborating with me to make a website as a resource for others making OCC boxes. So together we started www.blessingsinashoebox.com. She’s the person behind the beautiful site making the pages and keeping it fresh and up to date with the most current deals. I have written several articles, and through all that we’ve become very good friends. She helps me with my channel giving me ideas for videos. Plus she makes beautiful things and sends them to me for my boxes and so I can tell people about the tutorials on our website. We are constantly encouraging each other to make the best boxes we can for the glory of God and the furthering of the Gospel. (2.) send fillers in a cardboard box (es)-something you have on hand. Write “fillers” on the outside of the box. Tape it closed. Drop off all you fillers along with your shoeboxes at your local drop-off location. No shipping costs needed for fillers. The items you send will be distributed in OCC shoeboxes that aren’t full once they get to the processing center. 😊

[@darlabarber6373]

The essentials for my boxes include: something to wear, something to love, school supplies, hygiene items, a letter and photo of my family and a drawstring bag.

[@christym.814]

Great list of must haves! Thank you! ❤️ My only addition for my boxes would be something to play with-ball, jump rope, harmonica, puzzle, etc.

[@sarahschreffler5407]

When our troop packs OCC boxes, we have them thinking about what they would want to receive. So our girls 5-14 are packing boxes for other girls their ages-and our girls do not see erector sets or boat kits as boy items but desired craft items. I know as a little girl I had a few dolls but my Erector set, Legos, Hot wheels and chemistry set got much more play time (and I had no brothers). So what looks like a boy box to you may be aimed to a girl that is not so doll focused

[@christym.814]

Yes. I wondered that too. I also saw only 3 soccer balls come through my line and 2 were for girls and same thing-nothing girly with those boxes. I have thought a lot about it. One girl comments on my channel who got a box from OCC in the Philippines this summer. She was disappointed to get a soccer ball when her friends got dolls and lip balm. So I’m hesitant to send boxes to girls that don’t have some girly things. I don’t mind having something that isn’t girly in a girl’s box, like an erector set though. I was a tomboy as a child. In the end we need to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.

[@sarahschreffler5407]

@@christym.814 Oh that is sad :( Through another charity I pack backpacks for children in Honduras and it is easier in ways because you have been writing the children and know them better. All my boys want soccer balls and the younger girls tend to want dolls and doll play. But so far the older girls have been more interested in sports so I've packed soccer balls for them. I have always prayed and hoped God would direct the boxes for OCC to the right child since we don't have that personal connection. I have not done a good job at adding bags to boxes. But I sent a bunch of school supplies as filler this time. But I'll see if we can't do better.

[@sarahschreffler5407]

@@christym.814 I will say -- soccer balls are a hard thing to pack. First, soccer balls are fairly expensive and then you have to have a pump as well (For the backpacks, the churches have pumps and so they said don't worry about packing cheap pumps in every backpack, they will pump them up on the other end) I tend to buy a package of 6 for my backpacks and that costs me $40 and comes with 1 pump. (So I had 1 ball to put in boxes this year) When people bring items to our packing parties, etc I don't think they are spending $40 total. Scissors I think has the same mental block. It is hard to find decent scissors cheap and when you compare to cost for other things in the box it seems outsized. (At least soccer balls can be the WOW item that takes up a lot of space in the box) There's no excuse for not putting paper in :)

[@sarahschreffler5407]

@@christym.814 Question: Is there a homemade type bag that would be good to put in shoeboxes? We have girls wanting to use their sewing skills to make things for service time. (This year, with COVID-19, finding places to go serve has been a bit more difficult) And I was thinking maybe I could set them to making bags to put in next year's boxes. IF we get more bags than we pack boxes, we could always send them as fillers. (We may be doing that next year anyway -- the girls packed more boxes than the troop really can afford shipping for so instead of packing everything into boxes, we may set a limit to the boxes pack and then box up the rest of the donations as fillers -- better to send fewer well filled boxes and our extras can help fill other boxes)

[@christym.814]

@@sarahschreffler5407 I was able to find scissors for 25 cents at Walmart. It was the school supply sale, packs of 2 were 50 cents. I just kept buying them all through fall. I sent a lot for fillers. You’re right. I agree soccer balls are tricky. I bought size 3 this year to leave space for other things, but Michelle recommends size 4. She’s going to teach me how to pack them better this year! I think the key is buying year round. Otherwise there is too much stress on a budget and it’s necessary to skimp. The group I went with takes donations monthly of specific items. That’s a great idea. If I planned it I would take plush toys after Christmas and Valentines Day. I know the church of my teammates asked soap and washcloths in January. ❤️

[@gilleycjoy]

At the processing center, I think I struggled checking 10-14 boy boxes that were only 25% full or had no fun items in them.

[@christym.814]

I'm sending a lot of fillers--more than ever--because I think a lot of shoeboxes come in that are exactly as you just described. We need to send fun fillers and soft fillers. I think when I worked the processing center, many boxes included a coloring book, crayons, and socks maybe. Maybe a matchbox car. But little else. This year it's likely to be worse. Fillers are essential. I sent some in last year and one year brought a car load of full boxes. That was fun to see people putting in items I had dropped off! I'm constantly on the lookout for items to send as fillers. I have more than i have in the past already: flip flops, boy's shorts, balls, and lots of fun toys and plush. Are you planning on sending fillers too?

[@gilleycjoy]

@@christym.814 I think so. Just have to sit down and decide which things.

[@estherwaters2218]

Is it ok to unpackage items? I think it would save space, but I feel like it’s important to show that the items are new..

[@christym.814]

Yes. Take off packaging as much as possible. The children will know it’s new. Don’t worry. ❤️

[@estherwaters2218]

@@christym.814 thanks for the response! I wasn’t worried about the kids, I was worried items would be removed at the processing center if they weren’t packaged. maybe they would consider it used and remove the gifts.

[@christym.814]

Good point. At the processing they don’t check for tags and assume everything is new unless it’s stained or dirty or had other obvious signs of use. I hope that helps. Also, I sent you a link to my video on filllers but I don’t see it. Did you get one? If not, I’ll send another.

[@estherwaters2218]

@@christym.814 I didn’t get the link, but I did find the video on my own. Thanks so much for these amazing resources!!!

[@christym.814]

@@estherwaters2218 oh good! I’m glad you found it. 😊

[@brucegordon405]

At the processing center are you allowed to take the items out of the packaging, to fit more items in? The first year I thought I had to keep the tags and packaging on to "prove" that it was new items only so they wouldn't throw it out at the processing center. And I still feel bad for those boxes.

[@christym.814]

Don’t feel bad. We’re all on a journey, growing and learning. Maybe someone took out some of your packaging at the processing center and added a cute toy to fill it back up. In the end I believe God orchestrates it all and what shines through is your love for him and the child. Prayers are the most important thing! Pray he moves in the lives of the children and villages that get the shoeboxes!

[@brucegordon405]

@@christym.814 I would also love to see you do a soccer ball shoebox. You mentioned that you didn't see very many. However, whenever I have done them in the past, I find the soccer ball takes up so much space it is hard to get all the essentials in. I find that I am making the box work for the one item. (i.e. I can't seem to get pencil crayons, so they only gets pens and pencils, and a travel soap, because I can't fit a whole bar in etc...)

[@christym.814]

@@brucegordon405 I take up that challenge! My partner, Michelle, is an expert packer. She’s given me a list of all she can get in a box in addition to the size 5 soccer ball. It includes all school supplies and a water bottle, plus’s lots more. I’ll get a ball and try it myself. Then I’ll do a demonstration. I already have the pumps. I hope I can do it! We use the OCC plastic boxes.

[@brucegordon405]

@@christym.814 I will look forward to it!

[@sarabethmattis6099]

Do you think anyone makes a tomboy box for a girl? Or do you think like just totally a mistake?

[@estherwaters2218]

How can I send fillers? Do I just drop off the box of fillers with my shoebox at the drop off location?

[@christym.814]

Yes. You’ll find details about fillers on a previous video. It’s called “Are You Getting Fillers Ready to Turn in?”. 11/06/2020 Box them up, label “fillers”, take them to the drop off location with your shoeboxes. Thank you for packing shoeboxes and fillers!!

[@estherwaters2218]

@@christym.814 thanks! I almost think I’d rather pack a few boxes and focus mainly just on fillers. That was just heartbreaking to hear!!

[@christym.814]

I’d say follow the leading of the Holy Spirit! We’re hoping videos like ours will change the culture. Plus last year with Covid, things were more skimpy.

[@vickidurre1487]

Not all girls are girly girls so please don't over do adding so much girly stuff. Yes I do agree that some girl stuff needed to be added but God knows what girl that box is going to.

[@christym.814]

I have heard from 2 separate 12 year old girls (on different occasions) who received shoeboxes that were boyish. They kindly said it was ok. But they also expressed their disappointment. What did they recommend to me after I asked what they thought girls their age would like? Their wish list included lip balm, cute socks, a sewing kit, and a doll or jewelry box-instead of a soccer ball which they both got. One girl was from the Philippines. The other, Eastern Europe. I do think other nations have more differentiation in roles and expectations between boys and girls than we do.