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Pony Talk => Off Topic => Topic started by: nessa16 on November 17, 2016, 02:22:14 AM

Title: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: nessa16 on November 17, 2016, 02:22:14 AM
Anyone else do this during the holidays? Drop off week is this week and I'm finally getting to do this again. I used to love doing this with my mom when I was little. I chose to shop for a 5-9 year-old girl. It was so much fun! I spent less than $25 (on a really small budget this year) by putting in an EAH Harelow doll I already had and getting small things from Target (good stuff in the $1 area, Wamart, and the $1 Store.

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I got a travel MLP toothbrush/paste set, Old Maid cards, a hand towel and wash cloth, shea buttermilk bar soap, hair ties and headbands, a Frozen bowl, a smaller Slinky, press-on nail art, a Trolls notebook, Christmas pencils, a pink hairbrush, strawberry Chapstick, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer bandaids, Legos, and a few other things. I actually have to return a couple things because they wouldn't fit in the shoebox. It's packed pretty full. I need to see if an MLP pack of tissues will fit and a small thing of floss. It was so much fun. I also taped one of our Christmas cards to the inside of tbe bixlid with our address in case the child can write back. I wrote a note on the back of it.

Let's see/hear what you do!
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Taxel on November 17, 2016, 02:40:16 AM
Oh this sounds cool! I've never heard of it before.

I'm going through stuff to see if I have any spare toys I can donate to Toys 4 Tots or a local women & children homeless shelter. So far I have a little pile of stuff. Hopefully I can find more toys!
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Baby Sugarberry on November 17, 2016, 06:11:46 AM
Nah, we donate locally to a drive that's not religiously affiliated. 
I don't like how most churches operate.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: nessa16 on November 17, 2016, 07:10:41 AM
Nah, we donate locally to a drive that's not religiously affiliated. 
I don't like how most churches operate.

I guess I don't do it because it's religiously affiliated. I just enjoy putting the shoeboxes together, kind if like a swap box and it was something my mom and I did at holiday time when I was little.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: melodys_angel on November 17, 2016, 09:01:10 AM
There are plenty of things going around within the city to make sure everyone is covered--its nice :)
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: BethyVic on November 17, 2016, 10:03:08 AM
We usually do an adopt-a-child type gift program.  I really enjoy it.  Of course, I tend to have more fun buying gifts for girls (ponies usually end up in the bags). My dad's company has a Christmas party every year and I am in charge of buying the gifts and prizes for bingo.  Both of these projects make me feel so happy.  I really enjoy making people's Christmases better.  What other programs do you guys donate through?  I have a lot of clothes that are too small and I never know what the best place is to take them.  I live near a Savers, a Goodwill, Salvation Army and Value Village. 
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 17, 2016, 10:08:58 AM
We do Toys for Tots. :)
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Mkia on November 17, 2016, 01:26:23 PM
Looks like you've got a great box put together :)

We usually do one of the angel trees, or something for adopt a platoon (for troops overseas), or both if we have the funds.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Sukey on November 17, 2016, 06:06:44 PM
We just dropped off our shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child tonight.  They told us that next year candy and toothpaste will not be allowed.  We usually put toothpaste in, but we didn't this year.  We did put candy in.  Should have taken pics. We do one for a boy and one for a girl- ages 10-14.
Our boxes had
-Lisa frank & monkey notebooks, sketch pads
-pens, pencils, markers
-ghostbuster erasers
-ball
-koosh ball
-plastic light up angel ornament
-superman light
-book bag
-journal
-soccer ball and pump
-rainbow plush dog
-socks
-stickers
-some sort of pet blind bag
-sour patch kids and sour gummy worms
-hello kitty plush keychain
-pencil sharpeners
-Star Wars blind bag
-MLP eraser
-barrettes

Prolly stuff I'm forgetting

I did take this pic, so I could see what all I needed to buy still for the girl's box.  I had extra stuff that I'm saving for next year.

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Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Taxel on November 17, 2016, 06:35:17 PM
What other programs do you guys donate through?  I have a lot of clothes that are too small and I never know what the best place is to take them.  I live near a Savers, a Goodwill, Salvation Army and Value Village. 

You could find a local homeless shelter. I always donate to shelters now because I'd rather my old stuff be used instead of sold for someone else's profit. The one I usually go to (women & children shelter) will accept pretty much anything.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Haruna on November 17, 2016, 09:31:21 PM
Oh, I do this every year! It's an awesome way to show love to a needy kid. I follow Samaritan's Purse on Facebook and they post stories from kids who received shoeboxes who are now grown and who describe how just receiving that gift made them realize God loves them and that there are other people in the world who care about them, changing their lives forever.

I packed three shoeboxes this year (and helped my crazy mom pack about 50 so far, no joke! She loves this program.). I of course made a pony-themed box with two of the little plastic-bag-packed single brushables and other things. I'll have to take a picture before I finish them up Saturday!
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: nessa16 on November 17, 2016, 09:52:39 PM
What other programs do you guys donate through?  I have a lot of clothes that are too small and I never know what the best place is to take them.  I live near a Savers, a Goodwill, Salvation Army and Value Village. 

You could find a local homeless shelter. I always donate to shelters now because I'd rather my old stuff be used instead of sold for someone else's profit. The one I usually go to (women & children shelter) will accept pretty much anything.

This is a good idea, I usually just take stuff to Goodwill but a shelter would be better.
We just dropped off our shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child tonight.  They told us that next year candy and toothpaste will not be allowed.  We usually put toothpaste in, but we didn't this year.  We did put candy in.  Should have taken pics. We do one for a boy and one for a girl- ages 10-14.
Our boxes had
-Lisa frank & monkey notebooks, sketch pads
-pens, pencils, markers
-ghostbuster erasers
-ball
-koosh ball
-plastic light up angel ornament
-superman light
-book bag
-journal
-soccer ball and pump
-rainbow plush dog
-socks
-stickers
-some sort of pet blind bag
-sour patch kids and sour gummy worms
-hello kitty plush keychain
-pencil sharpeners
-Star Wars blind bag
-MLP eraser
-barrettes

Prolly stuff I'm forgetting

I did take this pic, so I could see what all I needed to buy still for the girl's box.  I had extra stuff that I'm saving for next year.

[img width=600 height=417]http://i62 (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/Sukey_57/media/image.jpeg.html)

I always do a girl, I just love shopping for girl stuff. I didn't think food was allowed at all so I didn't add any. I was iffy with leaving the toothpaste but good to know it's ok this year. I feel silly sending a toothbrush without toothpaste.

If I have the funds I buy dog and cat food for the Humane Society too.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: tulagirl on November 18, 2016, 07:42:20 AM
I do it every year. I did seven boxes.  I like to include an outfit in each box for the child, I make them things as well.  I wish I could meet each child that has gotten my boxes over the years.  This year I lucked out my friend retired from teaching and I got all her school supplies.  So my boxes were packed full.  When I dropped them off they had to use a cart lol. I like plastic containers better than the small shoe box. I can't get coloring books and paper in those boxes.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: True on November 18, 2016, 03:47:21 PM
My sister and I used to do this every year with my mom, I cant remember why we stopped? but I just found a place that does it again! I won't be able to this year because money is tight, but I'll be looking into it for next year, I can start hoarding items now. :)
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Sukey on November 18, 2016, 03:59:29 PM
My sister and I used to do this every year with my mom, I cant remember why we stopped? but I just found a place that does it again! I won't be able to this year because money is tight, but I'll be looking into it for next year, I can start hoarding items now. :)

Yeah, that's what we do, we buy things throughout the year.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: tulagirl on November 18, 2016, 05:02:31 PM
My sister and I used to do this every year with my mom, I cant remember why we stopped? but I just found a place that does it again! I won't be able to this year because money is tight, but I'll be looking into it for next year, I can start hoarding items now. :)

This is the best way to do it that way you can put high quality stuff in a box for an incredible deal which makes it possible to do another box.  After Christmas sales offer wonderful warm clothing for children at unbelievable savings.  Toys are even on sale.  Use those coupons too and the buy one get one free ads.  My friend likes to do a box with me every year.  This year she just gave me money and I did it for her.  She has a lot going on and couldn't get to it.  I collect stuff all year long in boxes and then I start assembling boxes around the same time that school supplies hit the shelves. I always end up short on either markers or paper. I have a stack for next year already started.
My typical box has:
Shirt, pants, socks
3 toys and plush which might include a game or electrical device
coloring book
water bottle
clothing bag
tooth brush and paste
hair brush and hair ties for girls
soap and washcloth
notebook paper
pencils
erasers
pencil sharpener
pens and highlighters for older kids
stick glue
markers
crayons
paints
colored pencils
folder
spiral notebook
small notebook
3 bags of candy
Stickers
oh and often I get those beads and beading stuff for the girls
Sometimes I add winter hats if I find a good deal on them

Its tricky getting it all in the plastic container but I have found small things stuffed in the water bottles you get from the dollar store helps a lot.  Like hair ties, and bouncing balls...little things can stuff in there and leave room for those much needed school supplies.  Walmart has the best school supply deals. But it is really hard to face the traffic on the isles.  The dollar store is good for some things, but I don't like their school supplies much.  They don't hold up and the crayons don't have rich color.  Some people add coats and shoes, but Can't seem to fit those types of things in to my boxes.  Wish I could.

Your box sounds fabulous Nessa...bandaids are a good idea.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: nessa16 on November 18, 2016, 09:34:21 PM
My sister and I used to do this every year with my mom, I cant remember why we stopped? but I just found a place that does it again! I won't be able to this year because money is tight, but I'll be looking into it for next year, I can start hoarding items now. :)

This is the best way to do it that way you can put high quality stuff in a box for an incredible deal which makes it possible to do another box.  After Christmas sales offer wonderful warm clothing for children at unbelievable savings.  Toys are even on sale.  Use those coupons too and the buy one get one free ads.  My friend likes to do a box with me every year.  This year she just gave me money and I did it for her.  She has a lot going on and couldn't get to it.  I collect stuff all year long in boxes and then I start assembling boxes around the same time that school supplies hit the shelves. I always end up short on either markers or paper. I have a stack for next year already started.
My typical box has:
Shirt, pants, socks
3 toys and plush which might include a game or electrical device
coloring book
water bottle
clothing bag
tooth brush and paste
hair brush and hair ties for girls
soap and washcloth
notebook paper
pencils
erasers
pencil sharpener
pens and highlighters for older kids
stick glue
markers
crayons
paints
colored pencils
folder
spiral notebook
small notebook
3 bags of candy
Stickers
oh and often I get those beads and beading stuff for the girls
Sometimes I add winter hats if I find a good deal on them

Its tricky getting it all in the plastic container but I have found small things stuffed in the water bottles you get from the dollar store helps a lot.  Like hair ties, and bouncing balls...little things can stuff in there and leave room for those much needed school supplies.  Walmart has the best school supply deals. But it is really hard to face the traffic on the isles.  The dollar store is good for some things, but I don't like their school supplies much.  They don't hold up and the crayons don't have rich color.  Some people add coats and shoes, but Can't seem to fit those types of things in to my boxes.  Wish I could.

Your box sounds fabulous Nessa...bandaids are a good idea.

Thanks!

How on Earth do you get it all to fit? :what: :drunk:
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Breyer600 on November 18, 2016, 11:13:51 PM
This was the second year we did them.  Since we knew we were going to be packing some this year, we were able to pick up things throughout the year (last year we only had a few weeks to plan).  We did three boxes with coloring pages, colored pencils, regular pencils with extra erasers (animal shapes :)), pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, notebooks, solar calculators, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, dolls, stuffed animals, light-up balls, puzzles, mini purses, hair bows, bracelets, and pop beads.  We were packing them with a group of other ladies and let them use some of our extra items such as kaleidoscopes and jump ropes and we've already got several items set aside for next year.

What other programs do you guys donate through?  I have a lot of clothes that are too small and I never know what the best place is to take them.  I live near a Savers, a Goodwill, Salvation Army and Value Village. 

You could find a local homeless shelter. I always donate to shelters now because I'd rather my old stuff be used instead of sold for someone else's profit. The one I usually go to (women & children shelter) will accept pretty much anything.
We donate clothing to the women's shelter here.  They also take sheets plus toys and books for children.  The place that collects the items for them also collects for the homeless shelter so men's clothing goes there too.  My mom and I belong to the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) so most everything else we donate ends up going through one of their programs to help soldiers and veterans or into the yard sale we help run for them.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Tracks on November 19, 2016, 12:47:01 AM
Hubby and I like to do this but sadly we were not organised enough this year (And last year I think) to get it done in time for the drop off.

I like the idea but again as others have said I'm a bit unsure about the religious attachment to it, seems a bit like a gift with strings attached.....  :|
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on November 19, 2016, 08:20:19 AM
Nope, I do not support any faith-based international support that is dependent on UN relief support to reach the children.... I support our homeless children and their family members in our city locally. 

The candy and toothpaste is in response to possible gelatin ingredients - most of the places in the world where these boxes are going, there are dietary restrictions.  Not to mention that candy can be used as an exploitation tool. :(  And it melts and gets very disgusting sitting on a dock or at a port where the UN relief supplies can't get through and sit there for months on end.... 
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: tulagirl on November 19, 2016, 10:47:43 AM
I got it to fit quite well when I purchased the plastic containers at Walmart that are about the size of two regular shoe boxes side to side.  Or a boot box where your notebook paper will lie flat.  Otherwise, there is no way to get it to fit.  Oh and I was going to say that I like the containers that have the little plastic flap on the edge that flip up and lock the lid on.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: Aflame on November 19, 2016, 01:40:24 PM
used to do it in school :)
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: slyons on November 19, 2016, 05:07:21 PM
Nothing for kids but a local radio station here had a drive for seniors who are in care homes with no family, and ALL the wishes had been picked off the tree within a couple hours (which is amazing), so I was too late to pick one but they are getting more so I'm just waiting too pounce!!
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: HelloGoodbye on November 19, 2016, 07:55:22 PM
In high school, my church youth group made a ton of boxes for this and it was so fun!  We all brought things, plus had a box out for other people from the church to put stuff in and we wound up making about 30 shoe boxes, which was pretty wild.  We had big piles of toys and clothes and school supplies all over the room and spent the whole night (literally! we all wound up sleeping on the floor after we finished) sorting everything into boxes.  It was amazing, and now it's a great memory since a lot of my friends in that group moved away, and even among those of us who still live in town, we're all at different colleges now.  Imagining how excited the kids opening their boxes would be was so fun.

My church does a different charity now, which is more of the "adopt a kid" type thing and we do a few families, and that's nice too! Honestly, I kind of liked doing Operation Christmas Child more, though, because we could surprise so many kids all at once! 
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: nessa16 on November 20, 2016, 01:18:56 AM
I forgot, my unit at work also does adopt-a-family where we each buy certain things off a member of the family's Christmas list.
Title: Re: Operation Christmas Child
Post by: tulagirl on November 20, 2016, 09:09:49 AM
Oh I love Adopt a Family.  I have participated in that also and would love to do it again.  There are many wonderful ways to give at Christmas.  I find value in them all.  There is nothing better than a smile on a child's face that would possibly not have one if it were not for the love of others.  It is hard to imagine how many children face so much peril all over the world and right here in the USA.  Children go through things no child should ever have to.  There is so much value in giving.  It is nice to see people giving in what ever way you feel lead.  They have a lot of toy drives and things going on.  Last year my R2's company did one and we had fun purchasing items for that.  I think it was Toys for Tots last year.  Sadly, there were not enough people giving so this year they will not be participating in Toys for Tots.  The problem is a lot of people just don't have the funds in their budget.  Money is tight and I know a lot of people would have loved to have done it and could not last year.
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