Happy Friday, everyone! Today I want to share something with you that is very special to me. If you’re looking to do something a little different this holiday season, then I hope you’ll join me in packing a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. OCC receives and delivers over 100 million gifts to underprivileged children around the world every year. Want to learn more? Let me begin at the beginning.
Image via Operation Christmas Child.
I think I packed my first OCC box about 10 years ago. A friend at church had told me about it, and the idea of sending a gift to someone I did not know excited me. As the years have gone by, however, I’ve learned in my own journey towards material minimalism that giving a gift this season can mean so much more than reaching a mysterious recipient.
My mother once aptly remarked, “Kids these days have too much stuff.” And she’s right; the quintessential American parent is always telling his/her kid to clean their room– presumably because their STUFF is all over the floor.
Claire and Haley taking on Express Christmas shopping in Season 3.
Yet every holiday season we make our wish lists and ask our kids what they want. Gifts pile up in our living rooms. But if we are honest, while some of these new items become dear to us, they are not absolute necessities. And sometimes they are things we don’t really care for.
As a natural gift-giver, I’ve always had difficulty with completely obliterating gifts from birthdays and holidays. And that is part of the reason why I adore OCC. It has helped many Americans turn our holiday gift-giving culture toward good; to magnify the value of our gifts by sending them to people who do not receive gifts often. It goes to the kids who don’t have too much stuff. It tells them that they are cared for by ordinary people like us. In fact, these shoeboxes are often the very first gift these children have ever received.
Furthermore, OCC relies on volunteers, communities, children and families in the US to come together at this time of year. They also work with local ministries, churches and community leaders to deliver gifts to children overseas. It takes a herculean effort to deliver over 100 million gifts each year, but it gets done!
Images from OCC. Composition by me.
Are you ready to participate? It’s easy! Here are some instructions and links. You can also find all of the instructions on the OCC website.
1) Pack a shoe box with gifts that are appropriate for girls or boys of an age you select. Click here for more details on what to pack and what not to pack. Be sure not to wrap the gift shut; it needs to be able to be checked by a volunteer. Feel free to enclose a note with words to bless that child. (Too busy to go shopping? Assemble a shoebox online through OCC for $25.)
2) Decide who your gift is for– gender and age– and print a packing label Every shoe box requires a $7 suggested donation for organizing and delivery costs. If you donate online, you can follow your shoe box and find out where it goes! (You may also write a $7 check and place it inside your box.) After making your donation, print the appropriate label and place it on your box.
3) Drop off your gift. Find a drop-off location near you by clicking here. Please remember that the deadline is November 24th!
What I packed in my box!
I packed a box for a 10- to 14-year-old girl. Not being as crafty as I wish I could be, I went out and purchased these items (ideally I would knit something or sew beanbags but… that’s just not me). I’m sending this special girl a recycled paper notebook, breathable athletic socks, colored pens, and a set of pearl bracelets. I also included a little note telling her that we were very happy she was receiving our gift.
What would you pack in your shoebox? Will you be participating this year? What other holiday drives do you love? Let me know in the comments below! And if you’d like to be inspired by other bloggers who are also participating in OCC, be sure to click on the button above. You’ll also find the linkup there, so you can submit your own blog post as well. The linkup will be open through November 17th.
I love this project. This year my mom packed two boxes full of goodies ideal for younger girls (cute animal backpacks and sparkly accessories) and we sent them over via our church. What I love so much about this project is that unlike donating money (which is still a great way to donate), you know the gifts go directly to other people and no percent of it is profited by any middle organization. I love the package you put together! I’m sure it’ll make a lucky little girl super happy. Loved this post :).
xo, Serli
http://www.lesoleilchic.blogspot.com
Thank you so much Emily! I really appreciate your sweet words 🙂
Really! That is AWESOME! I’m so glad you did this… it is making my day 🙂 Say hi to your daughter for me!
This is such a good idea. Using your blog to help others is great!
Emily
http://adorableandaffordable.weebly.com/
My daughter and I ordered a box online today for a 10-14 year old girl 😉 I let her decide who and what she wanted to give. Thanks again for sharing this organization.
Aw yay!! and I agree– I’d love to be able to see their reactions… it must be so sweet. So glad you’re doing this too, Gina!
Thanks so much Ann! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Will definitely take a look, thanks for letting me know 🙂
Thank you so much Akiko!! Please do share it, just make sure you link back to me 🙂 And let me know when you do share it– it’ll be an honor for me 🙂
Thank you India! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
It is such a fun drive and I’m pretty amazed by what they do every year. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Thank you Charity! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. And I’m really happy to hear that your daughter loves these items; I loved pens and notebooks too at that age. Hope you guys are having a relaxing weekend 🙂
Aw thank you Jeannette! You are always so encouraging, I really appreciate it. And it sounds like your daughter would absolutely love this, what a sweet girl! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!
Thanks girl! I just love this drive. And especially during a season where there seem to be so many obligations, this is a fun one! Thank you so much for your encouraging words 🙂
Thank you so much Shauna! I’m so glad this resonated with you 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks Elizabeth! I love that part as well– it makes me realize that joy can be so simple.
Thank you Sarah!! You are so sweet. It really is fun to pack a box and send it to someone who you know will cherish it for a long time!
Thank you so much, friend! I really appreciate you stopping by too 🙂
It’s so fun, glad we can feel like we’re doing this “together” from different parts of the country, Sarah!
Oh that’s so awesome that you’ve heard of it Becky! Thanks for leaving such a sweet comment 🙂
Aw thanks Emily! I hope you decide to participate:) Thank you so much for stopping by!
Thanks Amy Ann. So glad this resonated with you.
Aw that is so sweet, Maggie! I hope y’all enjoy participating 🙂
Thank you so much Erin!! You are so sweet. And I did get the journal because I love writing things down too– hopefully she’ll do it! 🙂
Thanks Shannon! Hope you enjoy the process, and I hope you’re having a lovely weekend 🙂
Aw that’s so fun!! I love the idea of giving to kids in your own community as well. Both are wonderful!
I just packed some boxes last night!! It was so much fun and I have a couple more to do this week too. What a blessing it is to be able to give a little gift to a girl or boy. I just wish I could be there to see when they open it!
I love the little note you included. That’s such a sweet idea.
Thank you Rebecca! It was so fun to put this together 🙂
Oh that’s neat Heidi! It’s such a fun drive to do. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend 🙂
I do wonder if there are dropoff locations internationally… I’m not sure. I think if you assemble a box online through their website then they’ll take care of it though!
Thank you Rachel!! It’s such a fun drive to participate in because you know exactly what you’re giving and what that child is going to receive! The direct influence is really great. Hope you do get to participate Rachel!
It’s so much fun! Thank you for the encouragement, Brooke! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend.
Thanks Charisa! Oh yes, I love it when kids participate, it is SO sweet. I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Wow, you’ve got some pretty cool sisters there, Shannon! And it is so true… I honestly have trouble seeing kids at stores ask for this and that when I know there are kids out there who would be ecstatic to receive just anything. Thank you for reading shannon and for your support! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend 🙂
Aw so glad you like this idea! For me it’s really about the gift-giving because that just makes me happy. And assembling the online box is a great idea; I bought all my items at Target (which by the way is by no means a cheap place!) and it was a bit overwhelming at first when I was strolling through the store.
That is so neat! It’s a really fun drive, I have to admit I get lots of joy out of it 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovely weekend Kiki!
Aw, I’m so glad this resonated with you Michaela. You have such a kind heart, I hope you do get to participate! Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Aw thank you Shireen, you are so kind! It’s such a challenge to be a parent these days (not that I speak from experience) because I see so many kids constantly asking for stuff they don’t need… I’m really glad you’re teaching your kids to be grateful! They will be so much more content with themselves and their lives in the future!
Aw I hope you do participate Joanna! And thank you– giving is near and dear to my heart so I love writing about it and hopefully encouraging other people to do the same!
Thanks so much Elmira! I hope you do check it out, let me know if you send a box 🙂
Aw that sounds like such a fun thing that you do at the mall! What a good idea to send something to kids who don’t get gifts, whether it’s here in the US or abroad. Love that you do this too, Nicole!
Aw it’s so neat that you did this every year– it’s so much fun and such a good thing to do around Christmastime. And the materialism during the holidays can be just overwhelming; it’s much less about gathering with families and much more about racing through shopping malls. I wish it weren’t that way…
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, friend! I hope you’re having a lovely weekend 🙂
Aw that’s so neat Rachel! It’s such a fun drive to participate in, because we know exactly where our donations are going and can imagine the excitement when that box is opened!
Oh, I just started fashion illustration greeting card line and thought you may like it. It’d be great if you take a look at my blog (and etsy shop) when you have time 🙂 xo akiko
Style Imported
This is such a great idea and precious thing we can do. I’d love to try this year and I might share this on my blog. Is it ok? Great post and thank you for sharing it, Daisy! xo akiko
Style Imported
This is such a lovely idea, I’ve never heard of OCC but I’m definitely going to look into it 🙂
India / Touchscreens & Beautyqueens / Too Faced Giveaway
I haven’t heard of this organization in a long time. I believe it was often used in my school projects. every year we would send those gift boxes. Such happy memories!
doitfortheirony.blogspot.com
What a great organization and I’ve never heard of OCC but I am definitely going to do this with my daughter and son. We always give to those in need this time of year through the school programs. You picked the perfect items for your gift! My daughter is between those ages and loves pens and notebooks. Thanks so much for sharing this opportunity 😉
charity
lifeafterbaseball.net
OMG Daisy! Thanks for sharing this with me. I love it and you have inspire me to do it this year. I will show it to my daughter (she is also a natural giver) so together we can pack our boxes to send. Thanks for sharing all the instructions and links to the sites. It makes it so much easier for us! You are a blessing and a beautiful soul. I am so glad I met you. XOXO, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
So sweet! Such a great share, Daisy. I love things like this. I have all these programs and volunteer opportunities during this season and every season. I have heard of this one and have had plenty of friends participate! Good for you! I love hearing about giving back. You are so sweet. Such a warm heart.
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
Thank you for writing this! It really reminds you what’s important in life, and also a great little reminder before our lives get crazy with the holiday season 🙂 xo
Shauna
http://Www.lipglossandlace.net
I love seeing the photo of the children opening their boxes. Wow. Really brings things full circle! Great organization, and fun to read!
Wow this is an awesome post. I love this idea and I need to hop on it immediately. It breaks my heart the things we take for granted, and never realize were so lucky to have. What a great organization and idea!
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
This is so lovely! I did this a couple of years ago with my friends and it was so lovely! <3
xoxo,
BerryBloomXO.com | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog 
also on BLOGLOVIN
I love that you packed a box for an older girl! She will love those pearls, I’m convinced! I love Operation Christmas Child–such a great organization!
Girl, I adore OCC! So neat to see this organization be supported by you! I have fond memories as a little girl getting to shop for the boxes with my Mom!
VelvetandVino.com
I loved this post, Daisy! I had never heard of this so it made me really want to do it this year!
Hope you have a great weekend!
XO,
Emily
http://Www.idodeclareblog.com
Great cause! And so true, our kids have too much.
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Thank you for sharing this, Daisy!! I love this idea, and I am going to show everyone at my work so we can each put one together!
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Aw, what a beautiful and sweet thing! 🙂 I love that you got her a notebook. I have found that writing one’s thoughts is a wonderful and life-changing experience. That little girl will be able to share her heart and soul in those pages because of you!
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
Aw I have never beard of this before, but I am totally doing it this year!! This is so sweet! I Can’t wait to pack a box!! Thanks so much for telling us about this!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
That’s so great! My church does a gift giving tree every year and I’ve been participating since I was an early teenager. It goes to underprivileged kids in the area but I love how that site does it for the world!
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
This is truly fantastic! I think we forget so often that some people are not as well off as we are. I think this is wonderful and I am sure the girl that gets it will love it! The little pearl bracelets are such a sweet touch!
Rebecca
http://www.winnipegstyle.ca
We’ve done this in the past! Such a great cause!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
This is such a great cause! I love this post. I’m going to have to look into it more to see if there’s an international option for OCC. Unless you know…? (I’m in Austria.)
Wonderful post! OCC sounds like a great program, I really hope I can start participating. I love being able to bless people, and this sounds like a wonderful way to do something special for a child.
Such a great cause and I can’t image how wonderful your thoughtfulness feels to those children. I definitely need to get involved, thank you for highlighting this!
Brooke
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
This is so great! Thanks for talking this wonderful organization. I think my kids would have a great time helping with it too!
I’ve never heard of OCC, but what a great cause! I was just talking to my litte sister yesterday who is in Africa and it is so strange (and incredibly sad) to hear about her daily encounters with the children….I imagine, for those kids, receiving a gift would be the absolute best thing in the world. Thanks for sharing this Daisy!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
I’ve never heard of Operation Christmas Child but I love the idea! I was also relieved to see that you can assemble a box online because as I read this I was thinking “um. . .what could I include?”
We used to do these every year when I was in baton corp. It’s such an amazing feeling and definitely something I need to get back into doing. Not to mention the wonderful life lessons it could teach my daughter. Have a wonderful weekend Daisy. (:
http://accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com/
Ok this post made me tear up, clearly I am feeling a bit emotional today. I love this and will definitely do it. Thank you so much for sharing!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
This is amazing, Daisy and it speaks volumes about your real self. I think it’s a great thing to do and it’s just lovely to help anyone in need. I also agree that kids these days have way too much hence I keep reminding my eldest son when he whines about his friends having this and that. It’s too easy to be ungrateful for what we have these days. I wonder if they have anything like this in Canada, will have to find out.
Reflection of Sanity
I’m going to check this out right now. The holidays are all about giving and I really admire how you focus on philanthropy and charity on your site. Thank you for sharing these great causes xx
lovejoanna.com
This is great. I will definitely check it out. Thank you for introducing it to me!
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
This is such a great cause. Every year I go to my local mall and they have children names and addresses on a tree. You can pick one of them and shop for them them send their package in the mail. I just love shopping for children who I know unfortunately are not getting the same Christmas I had when I was growing up.
Thanks for sharing this post, I liked seeing what you sent!
ClassToCloset
I used to do these every year! I used to fill one out for a girl and another for a boy because I’d feel like I was neglecting a gender otherwise haha. Every year I’d change the ages. I found it so exciting filling their boxes. It really brought me joy and made me feel like what I was doing was Saint’s work haha. I agree that today’s kids ask for too much. They are spoiled in my opinion. I hate receiving presents so much, I can’t even let my bf pay for dinner! I think this post is really good at motivating people and opening their eyes at the amazing opportunities they can take to help kids who are less fortunate!
DiscoverMe
I have a special place in my heart for this ministry–I can remember even as a kid my parents taking us shopping to put together boxes. I got to help put together a drive for filled shoe boxes with some of my friends at college–they are definitely doing good stuff!