I'm all about giving. I'm all about putting a smile on someone's face...and one Saturday at church, this lady came in with shoeboxes. And basically it's about packing a shoebox to give to a child less fortunate than I am. I think I will do a few of these this year.

• Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.
• Determine whether your gift will be for a
  • boy or girl
  • and the child’s age category:
    • 2-4
    • 5-9
    • 10-14.
  • Print out the appropriate boy/girl label shown below. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

According to this website, older boys get the least boxes. So at least for me that will be my challenge.

• Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. [see bottom for gift Ideas]
• Donate $7 [or more] to help contribute for the shipping and handling.
• Place a rubber band around your box and drop off at the nearest Collection Center mid-November

Gift Ideas:

• Toys

small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc

• School Supplies

pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

• Hygiene Items

toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

• Other

Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra 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 name and 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Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

To print out your own copy of this click here. It's more detailed than what I have on here. :)