Frugal Friday 31: Thrifty Shoeboxes
November 9, 2007 by Karen Weideman
Filed under frugal friday, money saving idea
A few months ago, I told you that I donate filled shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child. I’m sure many of you have heard of this and some of you probably participate in this annual event.
Each year, our family donates 5-11 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child. You’re probably wondering how in the world we afford to do this. I’m going to share my secrets and tell you how.
Here are pictures of 2 shoeboxes. As you can see, there is a lot of stuff in the shoebox. I make sure I pack the boxes full of stuff. After all, this may be the first and only gift this child ever receives. Believe it or not, I have about $10 in all these things!
Picture 1 - Here’s what we have:
- coloring book - I got this at a yard sale for 10 cents. Yes, it’s new.
- inflatable ball - 37 cents on clearance
- stationary set - 25 cents on clearance
- purse - free
- 2 pairs of socks - about 25 cents, yep on clearance
- hair bow - free (recycled gift, sorry)
- crayons - .15
- play doh - free (from my mom)
- toothbrush - .38
- toothpaste - $1.00 (had coupon)
- soap - .33
- candy - .50?
- hair kit - .50 (after Christmas clearance)
- pencil box - .10 (after school clearance)
- pencil sharpener - .55
- pens and pencils - .35?
To get all these things, I shop all year long. The day after Christmas, I pick up the hair kits at Wal-Mart for 50% off. As you can see, I got one for .50. During the back-to-school sale I get my composition notebooks (if they’ll fit in the box), pens, pencils, crayons, etc. I also admit that I recycle gifts such as stuffed animals. So long as they’re new, I can use them in the shoebox.
When I’m putting together my shoeboxes, I usually just have to buy some extra soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Sometimes I have enough of those already from using my coupons.
I keep a large tote in my basement garage and put the things in it thoughout the year. When it’s time to make the shoeboxes, I just pull out my tote, and start assembling.
National Collection Week is November 12-19. That’s next week. It’s not too late to participate. To find a collection center near you, go to the Samaritan’s Purse website and type in your zip code.
Do you participate in this event?
LRN
That is what we usually do–though this year we have some missionary friends we are sending directly to so the kids have a chance to really know where their package is going.
They enjoy the shoeboxes but always want to fill them too much so this year they get to fill to their hearts content.
What a great idea. We do something similar for another organization with the children’s kindergarten. The school supplies, necessities and little treats really remind you how little some people have and how easy it is to share.
My family also collects stuff throughout the year and donates it to a battered women’s and children shelter. Getting things free from rebates is also another great way to get really useful items. I have collected over 30 full-size tubes of toothpaste plus shampoo, razors, etc. just by combining rebates and coupons.
I love doing these- OH MAN, I need to get on this, this year… Usually I am prepared, but we had our last baby Julian on the 30th. Anyway maybe I can get a few knocked out the collection place for me is close by at the Christian Bookstore, and I can shop a few holiday things at the same time. There is something really gratifying about making these shoe boxes and touching. I love to fill them up with goodies.
Hi. I am really interested in participating in this program and have NO PROBLEM laying out $30-$50 or so to put together 3 boxes (one from me and 1 from each of my daughters). It is a wonderful program.
I was surprised that they are requesting an additional $7 per box to cover administraive expenses. I am just curious if you figured that into your project costs? I will certianly pay it, but didnt know if it has always been the case?
Thanks! D
Diane, I understand your concern. The $7 per box is really for shipping. These boxes go all over the world to some countries that I’ve never even heard of. Some of these children live in the poorest conditions and have never received a gift. The cost used to be $5 per box for shipping, but as you can imagine since gas prices have risen, I’m sure the cost of transportation is rising. Samaritan’s Purse tries to keep the cost as low as possible by hiring government planes.
They’re a legitimate company, I assure you in case you have any doubts. They helped tremendously with the hurricane and tsunami victims. I got some information in the mail yesterday about them helping the people in California rebuild their lives.
If you do decide to help, make sure you look at the list of what you can and cannot put in the boxes. No perishables, liquids, or breakables. The actually have several centers where they look through the boxes to make sure there is nothing in them to harm the children or damage the items. Several years ago I worked at the center in Charlotte. It was amazing to see all the people and boxes.
I’ve heard that they’re hoping to collect over 10 million boxes this year. Isn’t that amazing?
Let me know if you have any more questions. I’d be glad to answer them.
Our church and the kids Awanas group both do this project. I think it is a very worthwhile and rewarding thing to do. Glad to see others doing it and making a difference in others lives.
I wanted to let you all know that there are some things that I always include in each shoebox:
soap, washcloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, coloring book, crayons, pencil, and pencil sharpener
These are things that I consider essentials. Some of these children don’t own a toothbrush or toothpaste. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case you are considering doing this for the first time.