Hello Neighbors and Friends,
 
I recently joined a Mom's group - MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). As part of the year's activities, we each prepare a shoe box of gifts for Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child. I was very excited to learn about the project b/c a) I always mean to do something charitable, but b) I never feel like I have massive amounts of time or energy to commit.
 
I realized that many of you may be in a similar boat, so I wanted to offer up the project to you. If you'd like to fill a shoebox with gifts and drop it off at our house, I would be happy to bring the boxes to our meeting and make sure that the details are handled and that the boxes go out together.
 
I haven't checked the website, but if you'd like to read a little more about it, I'm sure there is information on there about the project: www.samaritanspurse.org.
 
Our address is 6012 Bryant Street. The boxes need to go out by mid-November, so if we set a goal of them being to our house by November 1, I think that would allow enough time to handle all of the details (forms, wrapping, etc.). If you're not comfortable with leaving the boxes on our front porch, you could always call me first - 412-404-8628 - to make sure that our family is at home.
 
Thanks for your help!
 
Alison Bogle
 
1. Shoe Box
Use an empty shoe box (standard size) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.
For those that are religious/spiritual: Say a prayer for the child who will receive your gift.
 
2. Boy or Girl
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Make a note of the gender and age and stick it to the box. (I will fill out the appropriate label for you at our meeting - they will have extra forms for us)
 
3. Fill with Gifts
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Suggestions are listed below.
 
4. Include your Donation
Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box to help cover shippig and other project costs. (you can put this in an envelope inside the box and I will fill out the correct donation forms for you at our meeting).
 
5. Drop off
We will compile all boxes at our meeting and drop them off at our nearest collection center during National Collection Week in mid-November.
 
Suggested items:
School supplies: pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, markers, writing pads, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
 
Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch a Sketch, - include extra batteries if your toy requires batteries.
 
Hygiene Items: toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap (in plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc..
 
Other: hard candy and lollipops (double bag all candy), mints, gum, t-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, etc.
 
DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items, war-related items, CHOCOLATE OR FOOD, out of date candy, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items such as snowglobes.

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