2023 Review and 2024 Update - Operation Christmas Child
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2024
- Welcome to Operation Christmas Child packing for 2024! Today I am going to review 2023 and let you know what I have been working on for 2024! Let the packing and joyful sharing of ideas begin!
OCC Guidelines
www.samaritanspurse.org/opera...
National Collection Week is November 18 - 25, 2024
Volunteer at a Processing Center!
How do I register to volunteer?
Visit occvolunteersignup.com to create or login to your account and sign up for a time to serve. If all time slots are full, join the waiting list and continue checking back for openings. If you have an account and are on the waiting list, you should receive a notification when a time slot is made available.
www.samaritanspurse.org/opera...
Send the Gospel to the ends of the earth without leaving home! You can build a box online!
Go to: www.samaritanspurse.org/opera...
If you are new to my channel, thank you for stopping in! If you are encouraged and enjoy my videos, be sure to subscribe and give the video your thumbs up! If you are unfamiliar with Operation Christmas Child, be sure to follow the link below to learn more about this ministry. It's a tangible way to give back and allow children all over the world to hear the Good News!
www.samaritanspurse.org/opera...
Pre-printed labels can be ordered here free of charge:
www.samaritanspurse.org/opera...
Have a blessed day!
#operationchristmaschild #ipackedashoebox #Drogers
Email: ginadeniserogers@gmail.com
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@ginadrog
At the risk of exposing my "stalking" of your channel, I was SOOOOO excited to see a brand new video from you. I will absolutely not reveal how many times I've watched all of your videos. Love Byrd Feed too. You guys are on so much that even my cats must be like ... AGAIN? REALLY? Love your work and especially your insight. Thanks much!!!
Wow, thank you! Stalk away😂😂😂 I love Trish too. We are good friends. We think a lot alike. I love watching OCC videos too! They always give me good ideas! Your cats think so too! 😹😹😹
LOLOL. They know ALL about fillers especially! ;)
Thank You for sharing all that you are doing this year. I love to hear new ideals about pencil packs and filler. I have been making lovies for the 2-4 yrs age group hoping to put a plush or small toy with them for filler. I worked 6 days last year at the processing center in Denver and in those days we just didn’t have filler for the young ones. And really no toys. A lot of shirts, socks and plush. We had a lot of half filled boxes. I did do pencil packs last year and saw them come thru while I was working which was fun to see. I did want to tell you my highlight for the year was Franklin Graham happen to come and visit the processing center on one of my shifts there. He spoke about 15 minutes and I just felt like I saw the full picture of this ministry thru his words. It is something I will never forget. I look forward to your videos. ❤
I mentioned the half filled boxes in my video but because the video got long, I had to cut it out. But I also experienced many half empty boxes! It’s so sad and frustrating to try to fill those up to make a nice box. That always motivates me to keep making filler. Oh so fun when your own pencil pack comes through to your table, right? Awesome! How lucky you were to be there to hear and see Franklin Graham! Wow! That’s a big highlight for you! I lmet Edward, his son, 2 years ago and it was so exciting! Got my picture with him too! Thanks for sharing Tammy!
I was so excited to see this video pop up! Been having withdrawals not seeing my favorite shoe box packers ! That makes me so sad to hear about all the used items. We just have to keep on doing what we're doing and I try to up my game each year. I'm so glad ya'll have Max now that you're second dog died. They are such big members of family. You've been very busy and I look forward to hearing from you this year !!!!!
Thanks Judy and I’m just thrilled to hear from you also! I feel like this is my shoebox family! Yes, it was so painful for me to process those boxes. That’s why I just keep packing, sharing and sending in filler. I have been busy… even with my crazy puppy, I’ve managed to get a lot started and packed already! Good to hear from you!💕
Praise God for your 2023 shoeboxes, pencil packs, filler items, and your volunteer days at the processing center.❤ Thank you, Denise! May God Bless all your efforts in 2024 for this wonderful ministry that we love. (and the growing pup, Max, was a good boy during the entire video...I'm so glad he is in your family!)
Thank you so much! Yes, I couldn’t believe what a good boy he was while filming. That is my challenge with him. He bites everything if I’m not watching! lol. Oh the puppy days. 😂
Fantastic update video, Denise! You have been a busy girl. Love all the filler items you’ve been making, too. You’ll have to tell us how you make the bracelets with the memory wire. Love those! The little town scene roll up with the car is absolutely adorable! I include all the same things in my hygiene kits, except a washcloth. It’s easier for me to make ahead for the smaller toothbrushes, though. For the older kids the hygiene pack doesn’t include the toothbrush. I find the adult size toothbrushes easier to pack separately. I’ve been busy, too. I’ve been packing and sewing, packing and sewing. I’ve packed 24 boxes so far, but stop intermittently to sew a tote, drawstring backpack or drawstring bag, as needed to complete each box. Loved this video, Denise. Looking forward to seeing what else you’ve got up your sleeves this year. Thanks Denise ❤
You’ve been busy too! We both sound like our days are filled with the same activities but add in some clearance shopping😂😂😂I forgot to mention that! lol. The bracelets are so easy and turn out very cute. Purchased memory wire on Amazon, beads from DT. Needle nose pliers and you are readyto go! Easy! And they turn out sooo cute! I look forward to your unboxings also. Here’s rob2024
Those bracelets were super cute! That sounds easy but I would love to see a short tutorial video making them. That would make it clear to me and be easy to share with others. Love your ideas and insight! Thank you for sharing.❤
@@annetteh.26thanks Annette! I will try to do that!
So excited to see a video from you! Currently I've just been collecting items for my boxes, Granny and friends pencil packs, and to decorate my boxes. I actually use the inside of my boxes to create games for the children. So when it's all unpacked they can unfold the box and play games with each other. Fun for me to create too!
I love the idea of creating a game for the children on your lids! Now that’s creative and such a great use of that space! Love it! Thanks for sharing! And so happy to hear you are also working on pencil packs! I just love doing those too! It’s so fun to get creative with them!
I started the yr by organizing my totes & making a list of items on hand, shopping after Christmas & Valentine's clearance, making drawstring bags for marbles, cutting out dresses, making Pencil Granny packs & packing 2 boxes. I love your sewing projects! You are off to a great start!
You are off to a great start too! You are making dresses! So wonderful! And so happy to hear you are making pencil packs too! I’m working on some right now!!! Thanks for sharing! 💕
You look great, Denise! I love that your shoeboxes went to new countries. Amazing number of shoeboxes you donated last year. So cool of you to work different positions at the processing center giving a different perspective. Sorry to hear there were used items in shoeboxes. This year was the lowest amount of school supplies in the filler. So I agree, more quality filler. Thank you for sharing your favorite shoeboxes. Sorry we didn't have a chance to volunteer together last processing center season. Next time! Sorry to hear about Tucker! But he's up in heaven playing with Chance. That's awesome you went back to work! Love the pencil Valentine pouches you made for the pencil packs! You're on a roll already for 2024. Love the road map and crayola items you made. I'm excited to see more of your filler and shoeboxes this year. Thanks for sharing, Denise!
Thanks Sharon! We definitely must coordinate a trip to the PC together next year! I missed working with you! Oh so many used items that I was distraught!
We were sad to lose Tucker. I know he had a good long life but it’s never easy to say goodbye. Thanks my friend. 💕
So sorry Denise about your pups! Heartbreak, very sad I know. About the shoebox packing I have not started yet, still busy buying & ordering stuff, reorganizing!! I have 12 plastic boxes & 4 cardboard ones to start with. Thought it was too early to start. Maybe you are going to change my mind! Will keep you posted on that!! 😊😊
Hi Anne! You have plenty of time to pack! I’m just a nerdy packer that enjoys doing it early! lol! I’ve been busy buying and reorganizing also! I’m never organized enough though. Once I start packing I have a tendency to pull everything out of place. It’s a never ending chore for me. But all for a good reason! Thanks for sharing!
I got my coworkers involved with packing shoeboxes and I'm glad to say that some are planning on packing for this year as well! Last year I blew my goal out of the water by packing 21 shoeboxes and this year I'm setting my goal at 30. If I manage to pack more than 30 I will consider it by God's grace.
That’s so wonderful! That’s actually how I got started! A co-worker and I decided to pack and my passion just grew and grew! I think my first year I only packed 4… then 10… then 20… and well you know the rest of the story! 😂Keep packing!
I know how you feel about making the kits match with the box, it was something I struggled with last year. I’ve been spending time getting all of my kits together too. I’ll probably start getting my boxes packed by the end of March.
So sad that both of your pups passed away 💔
Those crayon packs are super cute!
Thanks for sharing the update on your year!
Thanks Nicole! Yeah I had to let some of my occ ocd go!🤣 it even bothered me that the stickers didn’t match the theme!🤦🏻♀️lol… but I’ve gotten better in the interest of ease of packing! I hope you’ll share your boxes this year! I always enjoy them!
Ohhh no my friend another doggie? I’m so sorry to hear that. Max is adorable and good for you for substituting in the school! I know they love having awesome substitutes like you. Thanks for sharing your PC experience. It’s always nice to see what goes or doesn’t go in the shoeboxes. Love your pencil packs! You always do such a great job! Of course your sewing skills are amazing and the wash cloth/lovey are really a special touch. Great job on exceeding your goal last year. I managed to fill 137 last year and so far, I’m up to 52 for this year. I also took inventory of my stuff and it really helped put it all together for me. Love the memory wire bracelets!! Looking forward to seeing what your beautiful boxes have in store this year!! ❤️❤️
Hi my friend!!! I miss you! WOW! 52 so far? You are on a roll! You’ll be done before you know it! That’s amazing! Max is a cutie but lots of hard work. I guess all puppies are. He’ll be the best when all those puppy teeth come out! Substituting is just a nice way to get out and make a little occ money. They need subs badly! I could work everyday if I wanted!! Thanks for checking in and let’s catch up sometime! 🥰
Thank you for all your great ideas! I am personally buying in bulk from Amazon for our church packing parties at this time. Yes, I said parties. We’ve had too much chaos during packing in the past and folks were not keeping age related items in appropriate age groups. So this year my helper and I agreed to plan a separate packing party for each age group so older kid items don’t end up in toddler boxes or the other way around. I do send any left over items as fillers for the processing center. I also started crocheting scarves for the boxes as I was given a lot of yarn by my daughter. I do plan to shop after holiday sales for bargains as well.
It sounds like you are doing a great job!!! I think that’s a great idea to break up the packing by age if you can! Hope that works well! Thank you for sending filler! How nice that you are crocheting scarves for the boxes! I love handmade items. Thank you for sharing and I wish you successful packing!!!💕
Hi Denise! 👋 Glad to see your updates and looking forward to your upcoming unboxings. I am working on and collecting for my pencil packs. I plan on making more this year. I am also doing a lot of sale buying for my shoeboxes. I plan on attempting to make personal pads for the 10-14 girls also. Thanks for sharing! 😊❤
Hi Kim! You sound busy too! Thanks for sharing! I’ve been purchasing quite a bit also! I’ve found lots of good sales! It’s going to be a great packing year!
I’ve been locating toys for boxes and trying to start up a CZcams channel with very short toy clips. We will probably aim to complete age 2-4 boy boxes this year. Although I will say I’ve found a couple of good deals on Amazon for girls or older boys. So who knows? Maybe a box outside our target age. I feel certain we will have more filler this year to send in.
I’ve been getting clearance toys also! I forgot to mention that! It’s a perfect time of year for that! It’s great to hear you will send more filler this year! I love doing the 2-4 boy boxes! It is one of the least packed groups so it is much needed! Thank you for sharing! Good luck with your channel too! 😄
I’m so sorry about your pups! We have a pug who is about Tucker’s age and it’s hard seeing them get older.
I’m impressed with how much you have done for OCC already this year! I’ve had a slow start except doing lots of shopping for sales for my shoeboxes, pencil packs and fillers. Now, I just need to start packing! I’ve been making some pencil packs for Pencil Granny but I have so much I want to do this year for OCC.
Thanks for your inspiring videos!
Joy
Thank you Joy! I’ve even surprised myself! I’ve been doing lots of shopping also! Just got back from Dollar Tree and they were wiped out of valentine merch! I’m hoping for good sales at Walmart! I’m so happy to hear you’ll be doing pencil packs for Pencil granny! It’s so much fun to do and soooo needed! Thank you!!!
I’ve outlined my shopping trip on Thursday--several Walmarts, Dollar Trees and a couple of Hobby Lobbies. Good luck with your shopping!
Thank you for this update. I really enjoy your videos. I have been putting together some bead kits, friendship bracelet kits, craft kits, and plan to sew some menstrual pads, some pouches to make sewing kits. I love to sew. I also love to make pencil packs for Pencil Granny and Friends. I have been so inspired by videos like yours and others. God bless.
Although your menstrual pad idea is interesting you may need to include underwear. Impoverished people often forgo underwear. Some shoebox recipients were seen wearing underwear as hats. Try to be culturally aware as you prepare and pack your boxes.
You are working on some great items! That’s exciting! Thank you so much for sharing! I also love making kits for my boxes and for filler! Also love to hear you are making pencil packs for the Pencil Granny! I’m hoping it’s the best year yet for pencil packs! Thank you so much for all you are doing and thank you for watching! God bless you too! 💕
Loved hearing this update!! Your packing is always such an inspiration to me! I am very sorry to hear about your sweet dogs. It is so hard to lose them! I lost my dog of 13 years about a year ago and I still miss her. 😢 So sweet that you have Max now though. We got a puppy a couple of weeks ago and man you're not kidding when you say they keep you busy! 😅😂 I can't wait for you to start showing us some of your boxes that you have packed!! I always look forward to your videos! ❤
Thanks Kayla! And can we just talk puppies for a minute? Whew! I’m exhausted! I can NOT take my eye off of him for one minute! Not good for OCC packing! lol. He puts everything in his mouth! Even stationary items like chairs and sofas! 🤦🏻♀️ What were we thinking? lol. I seriously love him and he’s helped with our dog loss grief but I can’t wait for him to get all of his teeth in!
@@drogers they are so exhausting! New puppy and kids toys don't mix. It seems like our puppy gets ahold of something new every 5 min (it's usually one of my kids toys 😅). Haha but yes it can also be stationary items too! I got some of that bitter spray and it has seemed to help. I will definitely be glad when we are past the chewing phase! 😅
Max loves the bitter spray!🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Loved your cloth neighborhood roads with cars and the crayon roll ups. So cute!
Yay! Thank you! They were fun to sew!
You are very creative and thoughtful. Thanks for the videos from the processing center. I don't live near one and appreciate them.
You are so welcome. I know so many live far from the Processing Centers and I know I am lucky that I am fairly close. I love to share that experience as much as possible. Thank you so much for your kind words. 💕
So far, shopping clearance items. Organizing has begun!
Love that! I’ve been clearance shopping too! Can’t wait until after Valentines Day!
Yeah, I got so excited to see your video pop up. I saw a post on one of the pages a few weeks back about simplifying packing and it was like an “AHA” moment. I too have been working on the crafted items I like to include and putting together pencil kits to grab and pack, organza bags filled with hair ties and clips and I’m getting ready to put together the hygiene packs. I love the size of the bag that you used for the hygiene packs! I had the privilege of working as a Team Lead at the Dallas PC and it taught me so much that I want to work into my videos as well. It seems to be safer to impart those pieces of wisdom on our channels then in the FB groups. Can’t wait for more!!!
Thanks Tiffany! Yes being at the PC for an extended period of time can give such great insight! I haven’t prepackaged my school supply kits yet. I just make them so personalized for each theme that I can’t get there yet. Maybe I will figure something out that won’t interfere with my occ ocd. lol. But the hygiene kits have been perfect and so helpful! Thanks for watching and being a part of this encouraging community!
@@drogers OMG, the struggle is real. I have the same issue when it comes to my theme boxes. What I have done is created the basic pencil kits, 6-#2 pencils, 1-red pen, 1- blue pen, 1-black pen, basic large erase, glue stick 1 highlighter. I put these in a cellophane goodie bag and close with a large sticker. I can see the color of the eraser and then for my theme boxes I can grab the appropriate colored scissors, ruler and the fun themed pencils to match.. I have the same OCD with my boxes but I do think the basic packs are saving me a few extra minutes packing. LOL the hair tie bags have been harder. My goal is 200 this year. I’m going to try and only theme 100 of them so we will see if I end up leaving all the prepackaged kits until after I do my theme boxes.
Because of your channel I started collecting fillers early too!! I didn't get the Walmart stuffies, but I did get the blankets for a dollar. I've been working on pencil packs of all sizes.
That’s so wonderful to hear! The blankets will be perfect! Thank you and bless you!
Hi Denise, My condolences to you and your family for the loss of Tucker. I recall that back in 2022, you were hoping for one more Christmas... and you got two. I'm so happy that Max is bringing you some comfort
Looks like you have had an awesome start to OCC 2024! I love your sewing projects, especially the car mat. Here in AU, it's been back to school time. I have been collecting (hoarding) school supplies. Most have/will be packed into school essentials pencil cases (bags).
I look forward to another fun filled and inspiring year of shoebox packing!
Thanks Fiona! Yes! We couldn’t believe how long Tucker actually lived! He was diagnosed with diabetes in 2020 so we thought our time was limited then! But he was a fighter!
Oh hoarding is such a great word!!! lol. I would hoard also if they were great prices! Yes, another great OCC year! Praying for lots of good deals for wow items and good clearance sales!
Thank you for sharing. I've been focused on WOW filler items. I take advantage of the posting from Blessings in Shoebox deals and mainly focus on ages 2-4 and 10-14 age groups. I just love the bags you got from Amazon😊 I didn't find the poly/plastic ones, but I bought a couple of material-like ones for pads and panties.
Do inspectors have to take things out and look in a box if there is a disclaimer from Blessings in a Shoebox on top? I admit I pack very full boxes, but I do add the disclaimer on top to hopefully make it easier for the processing center.
Every single box gets opened. The notes don't matter. Anything can happen to your box at any stage of transport. Everything must be checked for safety before it is shipped internationally. Think of it as going through customs. It isn't OCC, it is various government officials who ultimately could shut down an entire shipment of certain items are found. So, Yes. EVERY box gets inspected.
You’ve been busy Patricia! WOW filler items are great to work on! Me too! Thanks for doing that! As far as the disclaimer, it has been stated in the Project Leaders group that the disclaimers are not needed. Every box MUST be inspected whether you have a disclaimer or not. This was confirmed to me also at the processing center. So I would not waste the paper on it as every box must be thoroughly inspected. Hope that helps!
you make the best fillers! thank you for sharing and for inspiring so many of us! 💖💖💖
Awww..thanks Niki. You are too sweet. 💕
I have been organizing and shopping clearance. I was guided to a lot of boys action figures(aqua-man, no weapons) at Walmart for $1 each. I filled an entire cart. I also found a variety of dolls at Target for $2.99. I also bought all of those. If I have any left, I will send in as filler too.
Those are awesome finds! Woo hoo! Anything that is $1 or less and great quality is worth considering as filler! The processors will love getting them in their bins! Trust me!!! Thank you for all you do!
I am making ribbon bell toys for my shoeboxes. I have collected around 10 pairs of shoes in different sizes and about 20 dress, short sets, long pants, long sleeve shirts, sewing kits with fabrics, fishing kits, I am making first aid bags with different sizes of band aids and alcohol pads. Every time I go to a store I look for deals for OCC boxes. I an on the OCC committee at my church and I LOVE packing and praying over our boxes!
Sounds like you have been busy! Thank you for all you are doing for OCC! Amazing variety of items!
So sorry about your losses Denise. Thank you so much for all the inspiration when it comes to shoeboxes. I just love all your ideas and your heart for this ministry. Personally I am wanting to do more filler this year and your packs are so awesome. We have some ladies at our work shops that want to start doing sewing projects and i'm going to show them these ideas! Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks AnnaBeth! I’ll be doing a lot of filler too! I’m hoping to finish packing early just to concentrate even more on it! I hope your church and individual packing continues to go well with your guidance! Here’s to a great 2024!
I'm always so happy when I get a notification for a new video of yours! 😅 167 boxes is amazing! Last year I only managed to send 36, not as many as previous years. This year I'm hoping for more, I already have 8 fully packed 😊 I even tried my hand at a few more theme boxes!
Awesome!!!! And 36 is a great amount!!!! 36 children will hear the Gospel and feel loved because of you! Great job! Every box counts. Theme boxes are so fun! Not all of mine are themed but they are fun to do! Thanks for watching and being here! 💕
Yes please do a video on those bracelets!!!!
Ok! I’ll be glad to share! So easy too!
It is good to see you again! I'm sorry about your other pup. I love pugs. They are very sweet dogs. Mine is named Owen. Right now I'm working on a Safari box for a boy 2 to 4. Cant wait to see your next video!
Thank you so much! A Safari box sounds adorable! I hope to do a few of those this year too! Awww…you have a pug? Then you know how silly they are! They are such great dogs. I miss him so much but boy did he live a long life!
Oh yes I know how funny they are. Mine is 4 years old next month which is hard to believe. Its technically my daughter s ( who's 13) dog. But he knows who takes care of him and is with me all the time. 😊
Oh my goodness have you been a busy lady or what?!?! I thought I was doing good with getting 12 boxes packed but that’s nothing compared to you! You are my hero and such an inspiration to all who watch and pack shoeboxes. I’ve been enjoying my new grandson while he is a newborn. I better kick into high gear as I have some catching up to do! As always TFS ❤
Awwww… congratulations on your new grandson! I pray for a grandchild all the time! I would spoil him or her rotten! What a blessing! 12 boxes is amazing!!!! I’m surprised I’ve gotten as much done as I have because this puppy keeps me busy 24/7!!!!! Thank you for sharing and watching!
I enjoyed your thoughts about your experience at the PC and about the last year's packing, as well as the overview of what you've been doing recently! I like the idea of prepping hygiene packs ahead of time. Personally, I've been on a roll, making tons of mini pencil packs for The Pencil Granny! I also participated in the Valentine's challenge, which was fun. I'm excited to go bargain hunting when Valentine's merch goes on clearance!! 😁
Thank you and thanks for watching! I love doing the mini packs too! That’s my watching tv activity😂. I’m praying for some good bargains after Valentine’s Day also! I think it’s my favorite time of year to clearance shop!!! Happy hunting!
I am also making blankets for the doll babies I have.
Love that Deborah! I can just see a little girl holding on tightly to her baby doll all wrapped up in love!
Awesome video, friend! Did you really have bombas socks in your filler bins!? Those socks are not cheap and such good quality! I also Love seeing those quality filler packs that you are creating!
I'm guessing the Bombas were donated by the company itself. They advertise that they donate a pair of socks to charity for each pair they sell (no wonder Bombas aren't cheap! 🙂).
There were Bombas for filler at the Aurora PC also!
@@ChrisJohnson-zd6kp oh that’s awesome. I volunteered At Aurora. Unfortunately I did not see any. I wish I had. I bought some Bombas this past Christmas for myself and my family. We love them 😊
Yes! They were Bombas!! Super nice socks! It was a great filler for the boys! Thanks for watching friend! 😘
Oh no Denise. I'm so sorry you lost another Furbaby🥺 That's amazing you did 167 Shoeboxes.🎉🥳
Thank you Sherie. Yes, so sad. They are together again to run free. I love having fur babies but I absolutely hate losing them. 😪
I have 3 boxes going. I don't really have a set number that I will do this year. I kind of started on a 3rd box, but I really don't it going yet. I am waiting on the rest of my recent Temu order to arrive, and then I might have 2 boxes finished.
Thanks for sharing Brittany! Sounds like you are doing great! 😊
Doing pencil packs. My first year doing extra ones for filler.
That is so wonderful! They are really fun to do and so needed!!!
Great video, thank you for saying it with love. I pray the project leaders or those that can spread the word tell people re: no used items. As always I say we pray that Jesus touch all hearts to send the best! God bless u all, the crayon packs u made were my favorite!😁👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Well said! I hope so too! Thank you for being so positive in this community! It is appreciated!
I was very thankful to see a new video from you pop up and am very much looking forward to your new un-boxings!
Question- Did the obvious used clothes and toys you saw at the processing center get removed?
Thanks Marie! Well, good question. Unfortunately some of it was sent through. The entire contents were used of sooooo many boxes. Against my expressed opinion,this particular coach let some of it go. It was heartbreaking for me. We did the best we could to add nice filler. It was hard though…probably the hardest experience for me in all my many many years processing. 💔
I appreciate your response but am confused as to how obvious used items passed through. I just went onto Samaritans Purse and there is a place that you can type in to see if it’s allowed or not. I put used items, and the response was, STOP. This item cannot be sent.
@@marieterry625 correct. And although it was pointed out, it was a judgement call on behalf of the coach who felt the items looked ok in some cases. I did report this to OCC.
Denise, did you turn in your shoeboxes at different times and places, to have them end up going to so many different countries?
My little group of boxes went to South Africa, for the second year in a row (through Baltimore).
I turned in my boxes to one drop off location at two different times during collection week. I also brought some with me on the days that worked at the Processing Center. That might count for some of the variety. Hope that helps!
You've been a busy bee! I'm so sorry that you lost another little friend. 😢 Wow, a lot going on!
Thank you for mentioning used items in boxes. This is weighing on my mind too. The children deserve better. I saw way too much of this at the Atlanta PC. The worst was used baby items. Infant items, not even something a 2-4 year old could even wear or use. There were also a lot of used clothes in general, dirty stuffed animals and Beanie Babies, dolls, etc. My heart was heavy at the experience of seeing these in boxes. I wondered if somewhere out there the idea of sending used items is being encouraged. I hope not.
I've been mostly shopping and organizing. I completed 12 boxes so far but in between boxes I'm spending time on filler so that it doesn't pile up on me. I'll be sending all kinds of filler, everything from wow items to pencil packs to random little things. In my experience, it was all equally needed.
It's going to be a good year!
It weighs heavy on my heart too! It was just awful for me this year. I’ve never seen it that bad. It’s something that’s hard to shake when you see it. 😪 I forgot to mention shopping! Yes, I’ve gotten some great deals already for boxes and filler! Some thanks to you! 😘
Yes! It’s going to be a great year my friend!
I made more than 200 art journals.
That is absolutely amazing! God bless you!
Can I ask a quick question?? Is it worth popping a note on the front of the box indicating cold climate or hot climate? We are doing boxes with hats and gloves this year and boxes with sun hats and sunglasses. God bless from the UK
Adding a note will not make a difference to which country your box will be sent. Hats and gloves are great to send no matter where your boxes go! The kids love putting them on their heads during distribution. Funny story… I heard back from a boy in Honduras… well actually it was his sister that messaged me. She said he loved his hat and wears it in the shower!😂So you never know… even though that is a hot climate they will still love them! Hope that helps!
❤ That’s great thank you for the reply 😊
What grades will you be subbing for? Can you link the project leaders facebook group?
I sub for Kindergarten through grade 5. I don’t know the link but if you email me, I can screenshot the group official name for you to look up. Hope that will work!
I like the fact that you talked about used items. Many times I have tried to say on FB about not using used items and just get pushback from some people. I will use beanie babies that have been in a collection and nonsmoking home. Thank You for sharing.
I agree! I cringe at recycled items but hesitate to speak up at times. It’s heartbreaking to see these boxes with all used items and they are clearly used. 😪I guess I can only keep sharing quality boxes to encourage others. I am fine with collector beanies but OCC states new items. We need to keep getting that message out to all packers old and new.
Hi Bernie, The issue with used items can be a customs issue. Each OCC shipment may be spot inspected by a receiving country. An entire shipment may be rejected if used items are found on that one inspection. This may also be associated with pest control; new items do not need to be protected from pests; used items do. And this adds to the cost of shipping. Hopefully, this info. helps to reduce the pushbacks; it's a legal issue, not a personal preference.
I think it is important to remember that most of the children who receive shoeboxes do not speak English. So, although people like writing cards and letters, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to read what has been sent. Also, not all boxes arrive at Christmas time so tone down the Christmas themed gifts. Please, pack quality items like shoes, soccer balls with pumps and school supplies. There are never enough 10-14 boy boxes, pack more of those.
Yes! Pack 10-14 boys! We need those! Actually the letter or photo is one of the most important items in your box! If you’ve seen some of the stories posted on OCC TV, these items are a great treasure! Often the child has a family member, church leader or teacher that can read the letter to them. I’ve heard back from many children of all languages who tell me the letter was their favorite item! 💕 Christmas items are perfectly fine to send per OCC directly. Often packers can find quality Christmas items on clearance so packing these items are great! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Always appreciated!
@@drogers We will agree to disagree on the letters. Having been to Senegal, Benin and Temuco, Chile, the letters and cards are great for the pictures, but there was no one to translate the messages. That is why the evangelical resources are not in English unless it is an English speaking country. I think the letters and cards make the shoe box contributors feel connected, but the response to the letters ( photographs of contributors too )varies by country.
Of course Christmas items are fine to send per OCC. I am just asking us to stretch our cultural awareness to consider the recipient. Might we reach beyond our American world view and see with different eye what we are sending and to whom.
@@jmo4521 yes, I do agree that the responses to the letters can vary by receiving country. I can only share and encourage on this channel my direct experience and promote what OCC directs. And OCC directly requests a note/letter or photo to allow the connection. I can’t stress it enough if only solely based on my responses. And yes, we can agree to disagree but I always align my opinion with OCC. Thank you again for your honest thoughts.