Operation Christmas Child 2015

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is an initiative of Samaritans Purse UK and the idea is to send shoe boxes that people have filled with presents to communities in need across Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

This is something I've done over the past couple of years with a group of friends but this year I did it on my own and decided to do a box for each age and gender (6 boxes).

I'm a big believer in giving back and this is something that really gets me every year as I buy the latest gadgets or toys for friends and family members, there are children in orphanages across the world that are ecstatic to receive their own toothbrush.
I know that it's that time of year where money is a little tighter but getting a group of friends together or even doing one though work will make a huge difference. 

In this post you'll find information, links and a step by step on how to do your own shoe box(es) as well as what I packed in my shoe boxes.

Step One

Find a medium sized shoe box and wrap it up. My mum picked up some for me from Next who were more than happy to help! I also know that most Shoe Zone stores will help too (subject to availability)

Step Two

Pick which Age & Gender you'd like the box to be, then start filling with gifts! 

There are quite a few items that won't be allowed such as liquids, sharp objects and anything violence related but Samaritan's Purse provide a list of suggestions here.

This is what I put into each of my boxes

 Boys Age 2-4

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Flannel
• Comb
• Farm Puzzle
• Alphabet Blocks
• Plastic Letters
• Magnetic Drawing Board
• Christmas Stickers
• Cars
• Animal Figures
• Globe Ball
• Paper Plane
• Snap Cards
• Notebook
• Crayons

Girls Age 2-4

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Flannel
• Comb
• Princess Puzzle
• Alphabet Blocks
• Plastic Letters
• Magnetic Drawing Board
• Christmas Stickers
• Cars
• Animal Figures
• Globe Ball
• Paper Plane
• Snap Cards
• Notebook
• Crayons

 Boys Age 5-9

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Flannel
• Comb
• Lego Set
• Notebook
• Math Set
• Pencil Case
• Pens
• Pencils
• Colouring Pencils
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Christmas Stickers
• Paper Plane
• Globe Ball
• Cars
• Animal Figures
• Snap Cards

 Girls Age 5-9

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Flannel
• Comb
• Hair Accessories
• Hello Kitty Teddy
• Notebook
• Math Set
• Pencil Case
• Pens
• Pencils
• Colouring Pencils
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Christmas Stickers
• Paper Plane
• Globe Ball
• Cars
• Animal Figures
• Snap Cards

 Boys Age 5-9

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Flannel
• Comb
• Lego Set
• Notebook
• Math Set
• Pencil Case
• Pens
• Pencils
• Colouring Pencils
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Christmas Stickers
• Paper Plane
• Globe Ball
• Cars
• Animal Figures
• Snap Cards

Girls Age 5-9

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Flannel
• Comb
• Hair Accessories
• Hello Kitty Teddy
• Notebook
• Math Set
• Pencil Case
• Pens
• Pencils
• Colouring Pencils
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Christmas Stickers
• Paper Plane
• Globe Ball
• Cars
• Animal Figures
• Snap Cards

Step Three

Make your donation of £3 for shipping either online or put the money in the box in an envelope and make sure you stick one of the labels on the box marking which gender and age you've done.

Shipping information is here.

Labels are here.

Step Four

Drop your box(es) to the nearest collection point before the 18th November! 

You can find yours here. I do know that all of The Entertainer stores are a collection point for the shoe boxes.

If you are unable to get out and about to do this because of other commitments you can do it online just click here and you can start building your own box!

If you need any more information then please visit the website or check out their FAQs. 

If you decided to do this or are already then I'd love to see your boxes and please share any ideas you have in the comments! As always you can find me on Twitter & Instagram.

As always, thanks for reading...