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Every fall when the weather starts cooling down and the leaves start changing color, we get extra excited here in the Cone home.
We were made for this weather.
We can’t understand why anyone would want to live anywhere other than here where the day starts with clear blue skies and the temperature graces the 50 degree mark.
But of course, there is a whole world out there that we desperately want to expose our children to so they don’t get too comfortable in their own surroundings. Part of the natural battle comes in making the unknown more tangible to them. While it can be hard to re-create the sights and smells of a foreign land, what isn’t hard for them to relate to is other children.
That’s why one of our favorite ways to give back as a family during this time of year is through the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox program. Of course, there are a number of kids volunteer opportunities we try to do as a family throughout the year, but the OCC Shoebox program is something we look forward to every Christmas because it allows our kids to tangibly help other kids with items they not only need, but that our kids can often afford to purchase with their own money!
I also like collecting items for our OCC Shoeboxes throughout the year as they go on sale or with great coupon buys.
“What items go in a Shoebox?” Well I’m glad you asked, because my kids and I wanted to share the top 5 items that should go in your OCC Shoebox. Just watch this adorable video:
In case you missed any of the Top 5 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox items, here they are again:
1. Toys
2. School Supplies
3. Hygiene Items
4. Candy & Clothes
5. Personal Note
Make sure all items are new and fit the age and gender of the child you select.
Check out the details on each from the Operation Christmas Child website:
You can also download directions on how to pack a box directly from this link on the Operation Christmas Child website.
Will you join with me in helping to make a difference in a child’s life this Christmas?
This holiday season, you too can build a box with your family to teach kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Visit the Operation Christmas Child website to learn more or build a shoebox online right now.
What are your favorite Operation Christmas Child shoebox items to pack up and send?
3 comments
Great ideas!! Our family is going to do the same! Don’t worry about the last comment the child/children will not care about an apostrophe.
Thank you Courtney – you’re sweet. And glad your family will be participating!
Very nice — but please don’t put an apostrophe on your name to make it plural. An apostrophe makes it possessive — as in, what belongs to “The Cone” meaning only one Cone. To make your name plural, just add S, as you would for any other similar word — trucks, desks, pizzas, and so on. So you are the Cones, or the Cone family.