Comments on: Frugal Friday 31: Thrifty Shoeboxes

By: Free School Supplies at CVS : Thrifty Mommy - Time and Money Saving Tips from Thrifty Mommy

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:01:53 +0000

[...] Remember, even if you don’t need the school supplies, you can still use them to help someone in need. You can donate these to a family in financial need or use them to fill up your shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse. [...]

By: Buy Now and Save Later

Buy Now and Save Later — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 04:19:27 +0000

[...] products. I buy hair brush and hairbow sets, chapstick/lipgloss, and other little things for the shoeboxes that I’ll be making the following year. Ornaments make great gifts for Sunday School [...]

By: Frugal Friday 33: Saving Money on Christmas

Frugal Friday 33: Saving Money on Christmas — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:27:55 +0000

[...] Consider regifting. I regifted some children’s toys for the shoeboxes we did for Samaritan’s Purse. Here are some regifting [...]

By: Frugal Friday 32: iMommies

Frugal Friday 32: iMommies — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 21:31:41 +0000

[...] our coupons. We have gotten about 10 free Polly Pocket items. These were great to use in the shoeboxes and they’ll work well for stocking stuffers too! Technorati Tags: free, free offers, frugal [...]

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:23:11 +0000

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.

By: Alexis

Alexis — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:54:23 +0000

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.

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:04:07 +0000

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.

By: diane

diane — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:42:24 +0000

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

By: Michelle Gartner

Michelle Gartner — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:50:19 +0000

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.

By: Lindley Alston

Lindley Alston — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:08:05 +0000

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.