Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

OCC is through Samaritans purse.  They bring these shoeboxes to children all over the world.  Children who are very poor, some orphans, and it not only shows them that they are special and loved, but they also bring God's word to these children. You can visit there site and read and watch so many stories showing how they change lives, and bring these children and families to know God and love Jesus. It is really beautiful.


This something you can do every year in memory of your baby.  The holidays can be hard, and some shy away from joining in activities, because the sadness that can cone with honoring a baby that has passed...
But this is a joyous activity (packing fun colorful gifts, knowing that you are bringing a child a smile). We just had to share this adding one more way your baby's life can leave an imprint on someone in a beautiful way.

Include your "Little Love" in this family activity by thinking of things that remind you of them. Is there a certain animal? Time of year? Even a color theme that reminds you of your baby?

You could theme your whole shoebox around this, or just include a small token as their special contribution.

OCC shoeboxes are also sorted and distributed by age and gender.  So you could also do some based on the age your baby would be.

Tips...

• Use plastic shoeboxes (often sold at dollar stores). This way the child can use it in many ways, from storage, to carrying water/food, and as a wash tub.
• Include usable items like crayons, pencils, paper, tooth brush, bar of soap.
• T shirts, tote bags, and quality flip flops (like old navy brands) that can be used for a while are very appreciated by these children. There are SO many photos showing the children running bare foot.
• STUFFED ANIMALS! Something the child can cuddle and love.  In some of the areas these shoeboxes are delivered they haven't ever seen a plush toy, but so many witness the children being drawn to these items first and being so happy to have them.

Example shoeboxes (and yes it can fit, you can take everything out of the packages to make room, just Ziploc bag any thing that could melt in a shipping container as they do get hot on the way)

Boy:

Plastic shoebox filled with...
Small teddy bear, box of crayons and paper, tooth brush, T-shirt, bar of soap in Ziploc bag, small picture book, match box cars, small calculator, pencils and sharpener, comb, socks, metal spoon and fork, and a tote bag/nylon back pack, flip flops, tooth paste

Girl: (Little Love Foundation themed)
Plastic shoebox filled with...
Small doll and extra doll dresses/blankie, small teddy bear, small butterfly themed notebooks, crayons, string friendship bracelets, tooth brush, soap (in Ziploc bag), wash cloth, T-shirt, socks, pencils and sharpener, quality tote bag, metal spoon and fork, small picture book, socks, flip flops, butterfly stickers, tooth paste

See their website HERE

Magnolia

Some links to help you pack your first shoebox!

Smashed Peas and Carrots (Baby Loss Sensitivity Warning: post includes children)

The Frugal Girls