What’s not allowed in a Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child OCC 2022

[@Kit.Nicole]

Thanks for doing this with me Robynn! It's interesting to see the similarities and differences between our countries. I can't say I've ever seen an expiry date on soap.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

I totally agree! Again I think Canada does a better job explaining items on their website. But Thanks for encouraging me to do this video.

[@NikiChicote]

you always explain things so well... and i love that you speak from a place of love, not demeaning anyone in their choices on how and what to pack! thanks Robynn!!!! 💖💖💖

[@mattmanandrobynn]

I appreciate that! I just know that if everyone is as passionate about their boxes as I am mine, that criticism can be very painful. I never want to discourage anyone or hurt anyones feelings. So I try to talk to everyone the way I hope others would talk to me. (Plus I really mean it, every box can and will be used for good) It means a lot that you noticed.

[@occland8864]

So many good reminders. I actually played a game with the youth group last year on the way to the PC. I asked some of the same do and don’t questions. Then they earned Christmas accessories to wear while volunteering. 🎄

[@mattmanandrobynn]

That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m imagining a big goofy teenager proudly wearing elf ears they earned in the trip there. ❤️❤️❤️

[@byrdfeed9071]

Great video, Robynn. And very needed for many packers, seasoned or unseasoned. I will say, though, I actually contacted OCC LY (or maybe yr before) about the small superhero weapons that come with the toys and they said absolutely OK to send. The year I contacted them I had a Knights building blocks set that came with little figures and swords and jousting poles. I asked about those and superhero figure weapons and coloring pages with images of superheroes with weapons. They said all were OK to send and that the weapons rule refers to full-sized toy weapons that could be mistaken as real. So, that was directly from a FB message with Official OCC page😊. Like you said, though, everyone should use their own discretion, but I leave them in now. Thanks for doing this and clarifying the grey areas. 😍

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Thanks for the insight on the weapons! So good to know!

[@byrdfeed9071]

@@mattmanandrobynn unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it won’t be taken out at the processing center by a volunteer who does not totally understand the intention of that particular do not include rule or reads more into it than it actually states 😕

[@fedwards2023]

Hi Robynn, Thank-you for this comprehensive video. I was told today that OCC-AU had revised their inclusion list. AU packers can pack crayons, store bought Play-Doh, playing cards and stick deodorant. These are all items that I will be adding to my 2023 boxes. For now, I have added crayons to my filler packs with a note - "OCC approved".

[@Kit.Nicole]

That's interesting to hear Fiona!

[@fedwards2023]

@@Kit.Nicole Hi Nicole. Yes. I was so excited to learn about AU's new list of inclusions. I had to double check on I was on the right website!

[@BarretoFamily]

Such great tips! It is so important to know these OCC regulations. They are all in place for a reason and I know it can sometimes make it difficult for packing, but it is so important to know the rules for your packing area.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

So true! You're insights have helped to reinforce why the rules are so important.

[@gwenmartin815]

So glad I watched this!!! I went back and took out the military stuff!! thank you for this fyi!

[@mattmanandrobynn]

I know it stinks to remove items you intended to include. I hope you aren't too down about it. I'm glad I could help.

[@ששבריבוע]

Awesome explnation :) espally about Halloween, I mean, so many non-halloween items can be scary, like dinosours or sharks, if I could pack boxes, I would just ask myself "is it children friendly?" so many Halloween items are intended for kids, and I won't worry about many of those, espaslly those from kids media, Vampirina and Monsters Inc are intended for children, so I will never worry about items like that, similar to how so many kids like Dinos, sharks and tigers, many kids like spooky monsters as well (especlly the older groups) , just make sure it's children friendly :)

[@fedwards2023]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on scary items. I guess Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are like dinosaurs too. I do not pack any Hot Wheels items featuring skull and crossbones or the words "Devil" or "Bone Crusher". As for Halloween items, I picked up "Halloween" buttons on super clearance last year - Plain purple, orange or green. Without the label they are just fun buttons.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

I remember you are not a big fan of Sharks. The word "Scary" is just so subjective.

[@melodymills5432]

Another fantastic video Robynn.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Thank you, Melody!!! 🤗

[@shirleyjobe9621]

Do you have a 2024 video (in case there are changes since you made this 2022 version? I LEARNED SO MUCH! THANK YOU! I loved your presentation- what a sweetheart you are! S Jobe 10/2/2024

[@judyfrazier2462]

This is a great video, Robynn.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Thanks Judy, glad you think so!

[@sassyscrappers]

Omgosh I've got to see if I can find that monster color form for my monster box I love it. Did you fund it at Dollar Tree? Such a great video Robynn I feel that this video is incredibly helpful. You rock sister! I just love ya.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Yes. I just picked up that Colorforms yesterday at Dollar Tree! I hope you find it.

[@sarahschreffler5407]

Candy used to be allowed (and even encouraged to fill the small spots) and so some have not gotten current information yet

[@mattmanandrobynn]

I used to love to include candy. I was so sad when it was no longer allowed. But I totally understand now.

[@SaraiSomeSay]

Great video, though i do slightly disagree on the scary items stuff as i think a lot of people forget that a lot of 3rd world countries have very religious views so pictures of monsters are seen as demonic beings. We're not allowed to send pictures saying Jesus loves You, but we're allowed to send pictures of 'friendly demons' which i can guarentee wont be kept by most families. Its a different way of life in poor countries. Theyre very spiritual people❤

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Thanks for your insight.

[@rhondaclark4173]

Natural (collected by you) shelis might inadvertently have living creatures inside. Store bought shells are professionally cleaned, sorted, and chemiclly treated..

[@christinebarber8311]

Wonderful video!!! 😊

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lora4056]

Very informative, thanks

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlottesshoeboxes3230]

Great informative video.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@loyestevenson4844]

Thank you so much for this video!! As a project leader, I can use all the help I can get. Just found you today and have subscribed. You mentioned cameo prints in wearables, specifically shirts, not being allowed. Our group has some flip-flops for all ages and some are camo print - black/gray & 2-tone green. What is your opinion on these?

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Oh man. That’s a tough one. I personally never pack Camo just because I don’t want it to be taken out at the distribution center…. However, if you are just going by what the OCC website says. The colorful ones should be fine but maybe not the green ones 🤷‍♀️. I really love how the Canadian website clarified Camo. They said it’s not ok if the child looks like a solider when wearing the items.

[@loyestevenson4844]

Thanks for your response!!

[@shannasimms3828]

What about balloons? And punch balloons?

[@christinebarber8311]

BOTH are allowed!

[@mattmanandrobynn]

YES!!! Balloons are allowed by OCC in all boxes.

[@booksandcoffee794]

What about nail polishes or lip gloss? Wanted to know if that was okay for a box for a 10-14 y/o girl

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Oh I wish we could send those fun items. But we can not send liquids. So no nail polish or lipgloss...... but you can send nail stickers and solid lipstick or chapstick.

[@Tara-fy9vm]

Are chap sticks with spf allowed or is that considered medicated?

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Hummmm.... I really am not sure. for me personally I would avoid it but I recommend you email and ask Samaritan's Purse directly.

[@dalehighnote6958]

well done. rhanks.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

My pleasure! Thanks for being part of the OCC fam!

[@marybowling7652]

Thanks this clarified a lot for me and I do not want to spend my valuable money on something a child may not get. Thank goodness we can send mermaids and unicorns etc. In my thoughts, they are all magical creatures of childhood and imagination! I found some Chelsea Barbie mermaids for $1 at clearance.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Im glad this helped! It helps to recheck the rules every year, sometimes they do change slightly.

[@robertgoh7420]

Are books allowed?

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Yes for sure! :)

[@sarabethmattis6099]

Probably better to do picture or coloring books. No idea what language your receiver speaks.

[@shelleyrightmyer6421]

Iloveyou somuch miss you

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Thanks so much

[@JigsawPuzzleConnection]

They are notb an honest orginaation norb is Franklin Graham. Please watch videos that expose this.

[@mattmanandrobynn]

Thanks for your input. Have a wonderful day!