Christmas Shoe Boxes

Joy Wells of the International Center is organizing a charity function that allows interested students and staff to submit a shoe box (or shoe boxes) filled with gifts that will be mailed to a child in an overseas country.  Below are instructions on how to get involved.  Note that the Operation Christmas Child is part of Samaritan's Purse, a non-denominational evangelical Christian humanitarian organization.

 

Step One

Pick up your shoe box at the Center for International Students and Programs located in Technology Building B Room 203.  You might want to call first (951) 222-8160 and reserve one or two (or 10!)   

Step Two

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. We will give you the appropriate boy/girl label. Mark the correct age category on the label, and stick the label to the top of your box.

Step Three

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

Step Four

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

Step Five

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop it off at the Center for International Students and Programs during our collection week, November 13 - 16, 2012.  November 16^th will be the last day we will be able to drop the boxes off at the pick-up facility.

 

Gift Ideas:

 Toys:

Small cars, dolls, stuffed animal, kazoos, harmonica, yo-yo’s jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch, Slinky, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries) or anything else you might think of that would delight a child!

School Supplies:

Pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

Hygiene Items:

Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (In a plastic bag) comb, washcloth, etc.

Other Items:

Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy.) Mints, gum, T-Shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries).

A Personal Note:

In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:

Used or damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out of date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow-globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.