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?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy