Operation Christmas Child 2011

As we begin the 2011-2012 4H year, we have our first group service project. This is a "family project".
For the second year, our group will be participating in Operation Christmas Child. Each family is asked to pack a "shoebox" (either standard size cardboard shoebox or plastic shoe box--no boot boxes please) with toys, school supplies and personal items to be given to kids in another country and bring to 4H on the Nov 17th meeting.

This you should know about this project
1) you can participate in this project even if you turn your shoebox in to a pick up center in your area and not to the group (just fill out the group paperwork in the hallway)
2) if your family already does this project; no need to make a special box just for 4H; just count what you already do :-)
3) participation is not mandatory
4) A donation to mail the box is requested BUT NOT MANDATORY--if you can not afford the $7 per box for shipping, DO NOT WORRY. Many people donate money for boxes to be shipped. Please just fill a box!

Having said all that-- here are the particulars:
Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child are due Thursday Nov 17th. (Same day as your cheese order forms)
here is their website to learn more: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/

Families can prepare as many shoeboxes as you wish. You can choose to do one for the entire family. Select items that fit for either a girl or boy in one of the age ranges listed: ages 2-4, ages 5-9, ages 10-14. Note-- there is a big need for boxes for kids aged 10-14! Please consider this age range, especially if your child is older.

Suggested items to fill the boxes:
personal hygiene: toothpaste and brushes, soap, washclothes, hand sanitizers, hair supplies- combs, barrettes, etc.
school supplies: pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, crayons, markers, paper, solar calculators, stamps and ink pads, etc.
toys and games: puzzles, jump ropes, balls, jack sets, dolls, stuff animals, toy cars, items needing batteries- please include extra batteries
older kids: consider sewing kits, tools
clothes: t-shirts, socks, ball caps, hats, sunglasses, flipflops, shoes
other: hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum,  watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) 

Consider adding a letter and/or picture from your child or family.

The boxes can be wrapped BUT the top must be separate. The top will be secured to the box with a rubber band.

Each box you prepare is requested to be accompanied by $7. (If you can't afford the amount- you can pay what you can OR just simply donate the box). You can either place a check in the box, place one check for multiple boxes in one box OR pre-pay on line. If you chose pre-pay on-line you will get a label to print out and attach to your box. You can actually track the country your box is delivered to.

To make your donation on line and track you box;
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/EZGive-fullpage/


NOTE: DO NOT INCLUDE:
Obviously 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 snow-globes or glass containers; aerosol cans