WHAT: OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX PACKING PARTY
This is an excellent event for the family and a great way to teach your children about being aware of the condition and needs of other children around the world. Come enjoy packing the shoeboxes & preparing them for shipping, all are welcome.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 6th from 5:30-7:30pm. Show up and pack your box anytime during this window, no need to stay entire time. We will take all the packed shoeboxes from the party to the designated dropoff location.
WHERE: Birkdale Residents Clubhouse (8915 Devonshire Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078)
If you aren't familiar with OCC, below is an overview and the website for more info:
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: Operation Christmas Child is a Samaritan’s Purse ministry that sends shoe boxes filled with toiletries, school supplies and small gifts to children around the world in need, specifically in regions affected by war, poverty, and natural disasters. They are also sent to children living in US Native American reservations. Children will also receive the Gospel in their own language and a discipleship program which has the potential to change entire families and communities. All are welcome to participate!
What do I need to do?
First, decide it you want to pack for a Boy or Girl. Then decide on an age range.
There are 3 age ranges:
2-4 yr old
5-9 yr old
10-14 yr old
You can buy any gifts to put in your box that fall within the below guidelines.
***SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BUY/PACK***
- PENS/PENCILS/CRAYONS
- PENCIL SHARPENERS
- NOTEBOOKS/ PAPER
- WRAPPED BARS OF SOAP
- WASHCLOTHS
- TOOTHBRUSHES (NO TOOTHPASTE!)
- SMALL TOYS (CARS, BALLS, DOLLS, BLOCKS, STUFFED ANIMALS, BALLOONS, WHISTLES, ETC)
- SCISSORS
- SOCKS
- FLASHLIGHTS WITH BATTERIES
- HATS, T-SHIRTS, SUNGLASSES
- HAIR ACCESSORIES, COMBS
- DEFLATED SOCCER BALLS & SMALL AIR PUMPS
***(PLEASE) NO!!!***
- TOYS DEPICTING VIOLENCE OR WAR
- LIQUIDS OR LOTIONS OF ANY KIND
- CANDY OR ANYTHING EDIBLE
We will have some boxes at the event, but it is helpful if you bring your own box, either an adult sized shoebox or a plastic box around the same size as a shoebox. A $9 donation is requested for each box to help cover shipping and project costs. This donation is not required, however. You can include this donation in the designated envelop inside each box or you can pay online: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/9-dollar-donation/
A personal note and/or photo is always a nice addition to put in the boxes. Sometimes the children are able to write back if you provide an address.
Please post any questions you may have in the comments below