Collecting for Our Shoe Boxes All Year Round

What would it be like to never own a toothbrush, a bar of soap, a toy of your own, or knowing the greatest gift we have in our Savior? For many children, that’s a reality. We can make a difference in the lives of so many children simply by packing a shoe box full of goodies.

Every year, millions of children—worldwide—are given these precious gifts to bless their lives, but most importantly, they hear the Gospel message and learn of their loving Creator and Savior.

Beginning now, we will collect items for the shoe boxes all year round. We hope to pack the shoe boxes as a group project in November. Below are reminders for each month. Also see the general list that follows the monthly list.

Video 1  Children opening shoe boxes
Video 2  The journey of the shoe box
Video 3  How to pack a shoe box

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Collections List by Month

January: Get in on the after-Christmas sales for candy canes, stocking stuffers, small toys

February: Stuffed animals, including those with a Valentine’s Day theme

March: Dental hygiene products, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste

April: Plastic bowls and cups, fork and spoon sets

May: Washcloths, soap, bath items

June: Toys, such as balls, jump ropes, stuffed animals, noisemakers, dolls, games, plastic jewelry

July: Shoe box month! Consider purchasing plastic boxes the size of shoe boxes as they are sturdier, and kids can use them for other purposes, such as carrying food or water.

August: Get summer’s end deals on sunglasses, flip flops, beach toys

September: School supplies

October: Wildcard month! Frilly things and pink items for girls, and tools and sports items for boys

November: Candy month! Hard candies and gum, but NO chocolate

December: T-shirts, small jackets, socks, hats

More details at Operation Christmas Child.

Items to include: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloths, musical instruments, puzzles, jump ropes, dolls, hair elastics, combs, jewelry, soccer balls with pump, battery operated items with extra batteries, cars, airplanes, stuffed animals, pencils, sharpeners, notebooks, crayons, and if you want, a personal note and  picture of you!
Do not include: Damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures, seeds, chocolate  or food, liquids or lotions, vitamins, anything breakable like snow globes or glass containers, and aerosol cans.

Thank you for your generosity!