1. Shoe Box - Start with an empty shoebox (standard-size, please) or a small plastic, shoebox-sized container.  You may wrap the box as long as the lid is wrapped separately. 

2. Boy or Girl - Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.   Label the outside lid of your shoebox with this information or use the EZ Give label described in step 4 and you'll later be notified of the country your shoebox is delivered.  Pray for the child who will receive your gift.

3. Fill with Gifts - Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.  Some gift ideas include:

• Toys-small cars, doll, stuffed animal, harmonica, yo-yo, jump rope, slinky
  
• School supplies-pens, pencils, paper, crayons, picture books, coloring books
• Hygiene items-toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washcloth, comb/brush
• Other-hard candy, lollipops, gum, ball caps, sunglasses, flashlight w/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 mailing 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, food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items (such as snowglobes, glass, porcelain), aerosol cans, or toy snakes.
  

4. Include Your Donation - Please donate $7. or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs.  If you are preparing more than one shoebox, please make one combined donation.  You may make your donation online at Samaritan's Purse and when you donate online using EZ Give you will be able to print out a label that includes a barcode; when this barcoded label is attached to your shoebox you will be notified of the country where your shoebox is delivered.

5. Drop Off - Pray for the child who will receive your gift.  Place a rubber band around each shoebox and lid and drop off at the Collection Center or Relay Center nearest you during Collection Week.  You may also send your shoebox any time during the year to:

Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone NC 28607