I've mentioned many times before how I love the blogging community. I have already had the chance to collaborate with so many other bloggers that have the sweetest hearts and kindest thoughts. Hayley at a Beautiful Exchange invited other bloggers to share in a wonderful event for the holiday season, called Operation Christmas Child (sponsored by Samaritan's Purse). It's a great way to remember the true reason for the season and to give back to the community and world that we live in.
I'm so excited to participate, and I'm inviting all of my readers, family, and friends to do the same! You can participate in Operation Christmas Child by packing a small shoe or plastic box full of toys, school supplies, non-liquid toiletries, etc, for a specific gender and age range (ages 2-4, 5-9, & 10-14). This allows the opportunity for so many children around the world to be able to open gifts on Christmas! You can find out more about Operation Christmas Child by going here.
THE SPECIFICS:
Packing a Box:
1. Find an average size shoe box or clear plastic box of around the same size. If you choose to wrap your packed box, be sure to wrap the lid and box separately because each box is examined before shipping to the child.
2. Pick a gender and age bracket! Ages 2-4, 5-9, & 10-14
Indicate the age and gender of your box by using these downloadable labels.
3. Pay the shipping fee and include a shipping label. There is a $7 fee that is required to cover international shipping fees. This fee can be paid via check (written to Samaritan's Purse with "OCC" in the "Notes" line) and placed in an envelope on top of all the gifts inside your packed box. Be sure to indicate gender and age on the envelope.
OR It can paid paid by donating online here. This option allows you to receive updates about the destination of your box. When the fee has been paid, Operation Christmas Child will send you an email with a label!
4. Drop it off! Close the box tightly, and plaec a rubber band around it to make sure the lid stays on. Take it to the nearest drop-off location between November 17-24 (after the 24th, it will not be sent!). You can find the location closest to you by visiting samaritanspurse.org/occ and using the map widget in the right of the sidebar OR by calling 1-800-353-5949.
Suggestions of Items:
Toys: Cars, puzzles, baby dolls--remember to keep it age appropriate!
School Supplies: Pencils, notebooks, coloring books, stickers, markers, etc.
Non Liquid Toiletries: Toothbrushes, combs, brushes, hair ties, etc.
Notes: Write an encouraging note to your child and give them ideas for things to use in their gifts! A fun idea from Hayley was to include your name & address for the chance that your child may be able to write back.
DO NOT Include:
Used/Damaged Items
Any kind of food
Medicines or Vitamins of any kind
War-Related Items
Seeds
Breakable Items
Aerosol Anything
Liquids or Lotions of any kind
DO NOT Include:
Used/Damaged Items
Any kind of food
Medicines or Vitamins of any kind
War-Related Items
Seeds
Breakable Items
Aerosol Anything
Liquids or Lotions of any kind
Hayley has invited us all to write a post to share and link up, so feel free to use the button and grab box below, and check out this document for more information!
Can't wait to participate, and I hope you will, too! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comments make my day! I look forward to hearing from you! -Gen