By 96five Monday 18 Oct 2021Station NewsReading Time: 3 minutes

It’s exciting to be partnering once again with Operation Christmas Child to bring gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need, in over 100 countries around the world.

At face value, your Operation Christmas Child shoebox may just be a cardboard carton filled with toys, soap, and stickers, but by packing a box with Operation Christmas Child you are bringing a message of hope, joy, and a message to children that God loves them and has not forgotten them.

It’s a a hands-on way for you to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and fun gifts. Samaritan’s Purse  collect the boxes and distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in vulnerable situations.

How Can YOU Help?

You can help by following the guide below on how to pack and send your shoebox! 96five is now open during office hours for you to drop off your shoebox!

This year you can also pack a shoebox online.  Click here for more information on purchasing a pre-packed shoebox.

How to Pack an OCC Shoebox…

1. Shoebox: Order your pre-printed shoeboxes online or use a regular size shoebox with lid, no larger than an A4 page.
2. Gifts: Choose a boy or girl and age group (2-4, 5-9 or 10-14) and fill your shoebox with gifts.
   
   Gift Suggestions:

   SOMETHING TO WEAR: t-shirt, polo shirt, shorts, skirt, cap, beanie, sandals, etc.
   SOMETHING TO LOVE: teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.
   SOMETHING SPECIAL: carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, stickers, necklaces, craft kits, wind-up torch, a personal note, a photo of yourself, etc.
   SOMETHING FOR SCHOOL: exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, sharpener, eraser, chalk, etc.
   SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH: tennis ball, cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument,
   yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, etc.
   SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE: soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, scrunchies, hair-clips, etc.

   Do NOT include:

   ITEMS THAT LEAK OR MELT: (these can spoil boxes) including toothpaste, shampoo, bubbles, crayons and plasticine/play dough
   FOOD OR LOLLIES OF ANY KIND: (due to customs regulations) including medicines and vitamins
   USED OR DAMAGED ITEMS: (due to customs regulations) including worn clothing and old toys
   BREAKABLE ITEMS: including glass, porcelain and mirrors
   ITEMS THAT CAN SCARE OR HARM A CHILD: including halloween, war or pirate-related items such as toy guns, knives, military figures or skull and crossbones
   GAMBLING-RELATED ITEMS: including play money, playing cards and dominoes
   RELIGIOUS LITERATURE: including tracts and Bibles (every child is given an Operation Christmas Child evangelistic book at an outreach event)

3. Pray: Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. Include a personal note and photo.
4. Include $10 donation: A donation of $10 is critical to cover shipping and other project costs. Donate online by ordering a standard label or to discover your shoebox destination, a Follow Your Box label (visit the website). If not donating online, complete the form in our How to Pack Your Shoebox brochure with your credit card details or place cash or cheque in an envelope inside your shoebox.
5. Label: Every shoebox must be clearly labelled. If you ordered Follow Your Box labels, do not photocopy the barcoded label as it will not scan.
6. Drop Off: Bring your shoebox gift to the 96five office (during office hours) in October!
   81 Mina Parade, Alderley, Qld 4051

   Or find your local drop-off point.