Halloween is over, and now we’re heading into my favorite time of year! Why? Because I get to do three of my favorite things:

• Find a shoebox.
• Fill it with goodies.
• Send it to a child somewhere in the world.

Every year I love taking part in Operation Christmas Child, a project by Samaritan’s Purse that delivers boxes filled with necessities and small gifts to children around the world—many of whom wouldn’t otherwise get to celebrate Christmas.

Samaritan’s Purse is an international relief organization that often responds first to natural disasters and crises. They serve both globally and here in the U.S.

What Goes into a Shoebox?

It’s simple to put together a box filled with essentials and fun surprises. I always include three key things:

• School supplies: pencils, crayons (or markers), eraser, and a pencil sharpener.
• Personal care: a toothbrush, a bar of soap, and a soft washcloth.
• Clothing basics: a T-shirt and socks appropriate for the child’s age.

This year, I’m packing color-coordinated boxes for three little girls—green, blue, and pink. Here’s what went into my green-themed box:

• T-shirt (Gildan brand from Michaels, on sale 3 for $9.99)
• Sling backpack
• Hair scrunchie
• Water bottle
• Hairbrush
• Crayons
• Markers
• Small notepad (great for writing or drawing)
• Pencils (tied with a ribbon she can reuse in her hair)
• Pencil sharpener (a must!)
• Soft eraser
• Play-Doh (Walmart, 50 cents)
• Little stretch toy (party aisle find)
• Small doll

This year, I’m also adding a handmade card to each box. Since we live in Texas, many of our boxes go to Mexico—so my husband will help me write a short message in both Spanish and English as a special touch.

Extra Tips

Most of these items can be found at Dollar Tree, Walmart, or Michaels. To keep things organized, use zipper-style bags for small items so they don’t get lost in transit. And don’t forget to top off the box with a soft toy or fun surprise—something cheerful the child will see first when they open it!

• Don’t forget to pay the fee for shipping and processing. (Payable online)
• Want to help but can’t pack a box? You can build a shoebox online.