We are in the process of filling a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. It is something we have been doing since Hannah was a baby. We fill a box with gifts for a child in a developing country who has never received a Christmas present and then send it to Samaritans Purse who organise for it to be delivered. By getting it filled now, they can get it delivered in December.
Our girls really look forward to filling a box each year. We try to pick a child who is the same age as the girls so that they can think about what a child their age would like. I think it is a great opportunity to talk with our kids about how fortunate they are, and it is a chance for them to practice a giving spirit. On a practical level, I also like that we do it a bit earlier in the year so I don’t suddenly hit December and try to squeeze it in amongst all the other Christmas ‘things’ (and this year it is especially appreciated).
I pick up bits and pieces through out the year as I see them on sale, and then in late August early September we sit down and look at what we have got and make a list of what we still need. The challenge is always to get things which will be fun, useful and fit into a box. The biggest hassle the girls have is toning down their ideas to what can realistically fit into a box (I remove most of the packaging to make more room).
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| Before |
Here is a list of what we have put into the box this year:
- T-shirt, skirt, and underwear
- Pencil case with pencils, pens, eraser, scissors and sharpener
- Stickers
- Exercise books
- Wind up torch
- Small stuffed animal
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Face washer
- Toothbrush
- Hair brush, hair clips and elastics
- Jumping Frog game
- Hacky sack
- Skipping rope
- Bead necklaces
- Magnifying glass
- Draw string bag
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| After |
Christmas is so full of gifts for the kids. They really do receive so much. I really appreciate the opportunity to do something with the kids which doesn’t focus on them. If you are interested click on the link above.
Do you do something similar for Christmas?
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A pity I discovered this too late, it will definitely go on my list for next year! This year I'll just have to content myself with a gift for the Wishing Tree.
Haha I totally didn't notice that it was linked 🙂
Hi Kate, Thanks for the comments! If you click on the link above it will take you directly to the Samaritans purse website! Hope you enjoy it!
I love that you do this with your kids. Such thought has obviously gone into the things you've chosen. I have done things like the present wishing trees with the children but I really like the sound of this. Can you send me the details of this organisation?
lovely 🙂