Operation Christmas Child Shoebox What to Pack: Do's & Don'ts | Step-by-Step Guide

[@jettj6088]

Lovely box. Not every kid loves dolls or toys. I would have loved the pens and jewelry.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

Thanks, me too!

[@deborahcarr2177]

I have already packed and taken my shoe boxes to church. To date our church has packed over 400 boxes. God has been so good to let us in on His mission! I pray over every shoebox sent.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

That is such an amazing blessing and these kids will be forever grateful!

[@mrchuck3636]

Did you know you can fill the water bottle with fun items such as pens, pencils, toothbrush, socks, small toys,etc. The items you chose are very nice. I do think that a toy should be added in every box. A stuffed animal, doll, etc. I was also happy to learn that we can remove toys from there packaging. It saves space and cuts back on trash. Many countries don't have trash removal like we do. I love the shirt, sewing kit, etc. Nice video.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

Yes, I did mention that the space inside the water bottle could be used…I just didn’t make suggestions on what to put in. Maybe next time. I had heard feedback that the majority of kids who receive these have never had anything new and it is an experience for them to open the packaging! I would have never thought of that. We think we are saving space to fill it fuller but they want something new that is just for them. We are so blessed to be able to give to these kids who are genuinely grateful for whatever they get. 💕

[@mariacontreras4368]

​@@RobynAnneCreativeHola, como sugerencia te diría que es preferible sacar las cosas del embalaje original ya que ocupa mucho espacio. Para el niño o niña, el hecho de abrir la cajita es abrir un regalo nuevo. Si optas por dejar el embalaje, quita el precio. Igualmente de las etiquetas de la ropa. Si hay un precio en una libreta u otro artículo que no se pueda quitar, puedes taparlo con una pegatina. Las botellas de agua son geniales y se pueden aprovechar para incluir muchas cosas. Por ejemplo, los lápices que dejaste fuera, las gomas de borrar, sacapuntas(no vi en tu caja) pulseras, calcetines, etc. Una mochila de cuerdas sencilla no ocupa casi nada y es un elemento muy valioso, al igual que un estuche para los útiles escolares. Si enrollas la camiseta, podrás acomodarla mejor y ahorrar espacio. También puedes incluir un cuaderno para dibujar y por supuesto, algo que a todos los niños y niñas, de cualquier edad, les encanta:lápices de colores. Por último, intenta poner un peluche, aunque sea muy pequeño. Son sugerencias, pero después de muchos años preparando cajitas y aprendiendo, he visto que son los artículos más valorados por los niños y niñas. Mis cajas van tan llenas que necesito varias bandas elásticas para cerrarlas😅 Espero que te sirva. Entre todos nos ayudamos.

[@BLESSEDandOCCobsessed]

nicely done video. Just an FYI, soap must stay in their original box, can not be expired (crazy but some do expire) and OCC does not recommend the plastic baggy because it causes sweating and can mold. Another tip, it is highly probably OCC will be removing soap from the OK to send list due to issues with customs. You did a great job demonstrating and giving ideas. I pack lots and lot of boxes, serve on the year round team and at the processing center… I love this ministry and the opportunity it gives me to send unconditional love and an way to share the gospel and don’t forget the fun factor. Who doesn’t love the idea of shopping for kids!

[@RobynAnneCreative]

Thank you so much for your input. I will be sure to double check the list next year for any changes. Thanks for all you do to serve in this ministry! I am humbled and honored to give to such a worthy cause and will continue to help you promote in any way I can.💜

[@beckypetersen2680]

I really loved that ring making kit you put in there. That, along with the shirt - super WOW items!!!

[@RobynAnneCreative]

Thank you!

[@shescraftea9107]

I love the T-shirt and the wire wrap ring kit! This is my second year participating. I don't consider jump ropes a 'wow' item but I do include them in my boxes.

[@angie.frazier]

Great video, I've never done this, but am considering it, looks like a wonderful thing. Your explanation of everything was awesome.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

So glad you liked it. We did these with the girls when they were younger. This is my first one by myself🤗

[@landedeagle69]

Pencil sharpener to go with the pencils might be a good addition.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

Yes, I plan to add that before stopping off.

[@KarenYork-t2c]

Already had 2 packing parties at church. In the past there was confusion about mixing items from one age group to another. So this year we decided to have separate packings for each age group! Already packed both the 2-4 and the 5-9 boxes and now getting ready for packing the 10-14 boxes this coming Saturday! Very nice video explaining the program! Thank you so much for doing this! 👏❤️👏❤️👏❤️👏❤️

[@RobynAnneCreative]

You are very welcome! What a great idea for splitting up the packing parties by age range! I 💜it!

[@KarenYork-t2c]

@@RobynAnneCreative worked very well and we were able to hold each one in our backroom in our church building as well. We don’t have room to do all three at once so we always hauled everything over to the community building. But no need to move to another building by splitting them up this way, either! We packed 56 boxes yesterday for the 10-14 year olds, too!

[@Brittany.Anderson]

I did a total of 9 boxes this year. I did 7 for Cross Catholic Outreach and the other 2 for Operation Christmas Child.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

Did you select various age groups and genders?

[@catworld8119]

Good choices but even the older kids like toys so adding in a small stuffed toy is a good plan. Some little toys like jacks, a small ball, a mini coloring book with crayons are excellent for all ages.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

These are great suggestions! Thanks for sharing.

[@jillbaird949]

I did 100 shoeboxes for 2024.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

Wow! Where did you get everything to fill them? Did you order boxes online or collect them from others and wrap them with gift wrap? Feel free to post photos for inspiration!

[@jillbaird949]

@ I go all over town. Shop clearance sells. I’m always looking for deals where ever I go even out of town. I get boxes online at the beginning of the year. I don’t wrap my boxes.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

Keep an eye on videos I post about Hobby Lobby clearance!

[@pamlynch1862]

Do they cost $10 a piece to ship?

[@jillbaird949]

@@pamlynch1862 yes $10.00 to ship a shoebox.

[@lindenella]

Really good step by step explanation of packing a shoebox for OCC. I like the items you chose- the T-shirt is cool. I think you could possibly include a couple of small toys like Hot Wheel cars (even girls like them)playing cards or jacks and small bouncy balls in the gaps. (Franklin Graham is emphasizing more toys in boxes this year and children usually only get one box in their lifetime).You could possibly get a jump rope into the water bottle. Dont forget a pencil sharpener for the pencils. Thanks for the video.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

These are great ideas! Thanks for sharing💜

[@ScraptasticYarns]

Good video but I'd loose the music its too distracting and makes it hard to hear all of the suggestions. Definitely use that water bottle and fill it to save room.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

@@ScraptasticYarns Thanks for the feedback. Is the music too loud, too long, or just unnecessary?

[@ScraptasticYarns]

@@RobynAnneCreative I would say unnecessary, but if you want to keep it in way too loud. Just hard to hear you with it.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

@ thanks☺️

[@KarenDelaware-f3o]

I'm confused at which label goes where!?

[@RobynAnneCreative]

The label with age and gender goes on the lid.

[@PSA3377]

Just wanted to add I was sad to see H.L having Crystals for sale in their Jewlerly dept .

[@RobynAnneCreative]

I’m sorry, I am not sure I know what you mean.

[@justsimplygoodcooking3176]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RobynAnneCreative]

I must have missed what was funny…?

[@larlar8580]

These should stay right here in our country this year, don’t ya think? A lot of OUR kids won’t have Christmas!

[@RobynAnneCreative]

I am sorry, I respectfully disagree. We are told to go into all the world and preach the gospel. This does not disclude anyone. We have plenty of options in the US for those in need and I am not saying for anyone to take away from any of those. Some people are fortunate enough to be able to give to both and I applaud giving to either one or both as the Lord leads them. I do hope you will stay and check out some of my other content and find it valuable. Sincerely, Robyn

[@catworld8119]

Well, Salvation Army has angel trees and collect money for U.S. as well as Toys for Tots, local organizations such as churches hold toy drives, so there are many ways for people struggling in this country to obtain gifts. This is for other countries that don't have programs in place for their communities. :-)

[@mariacontreras4368]

NUESTROS niños son TODOS los niños. "Dejad que los niños se acerquen a mi" dijo Jesús. TODOS. Y hay países que no saben ni siquiera quien es Jesús ni menos qué es la Navidad. (que por cierto, no es tener regalos, sino celebrar el nacimiento de Cristo.

[@RobynAnneCreative]

@mariacontreras4368 Thank you so much for your comment! You are right, it is not about the presents! It is all about a Savior who died to redeem all mankind for His glory! For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life! John 3:16 He gave the greatest gift when He gave his son! We celebrate Him and give gifts of hope to those in need to spread this good news.

[@beckypetersen2680]

Poverty in these other countries is something that even the poorest American cannot imagine if they haven't seen it. The USA has social programs and myriads of nonprofits able and willing to help the needy. These other countries - not. I'm a missionary in Poland and we gave Christmas presents to children in children's homes in our area with donated money frmo the USA. One time, after giving this girl (10-12 years old?) a really nice bead set (about $15 here), I saw her crying. I didn't know what was wrong, but after a couple of years going back we were talking with her. I got up the nerve to ask her why she cried back then. She told me it was the first time she'd ever had a Christmas present. It made ME cry. It was all very sobering.

[@Brittany.Anderson]

You really need to fill the cup or water bottle

[@RobynAnneCreative]

I am planning on it.