What is an appropriate charity donation? Some charity organizations, most notably Samaritan's Purse, sponsor shoebox gift programs for needy children around the world.
For many children around the world, the Christmas holiday may be their only respite from a life of war, famine or poverty. Several charity organizations, notably Samaritan's Purse, sponsor programs specifically targeted towards children in such desperate situations. Through the use of a 'Christmas Shoebox' program, these non-profit efforts reach millions of needy families every year. In fact, your church or other service organization may already be a sponsor of such a drive.
The premise is very simple and straightforward. Simply fill a shoebox with small gifts that would be appropriate for children of different ages and gender. Most of these charity programs allow you to choose the age range and gender of the child you wish to help. Once you have selected these options, you obtain a shoebox and begin filling it with a combination of useful gift items, including school supplies, underclothes, and toys.
You then attach a check to cover the costs of mailing the package, along with a sticker that designates the appropriate age and gender of the intended receiver. The organization will then process and deliver these packages to troubled areas around the world.
But what sort of gifts would be appropriate to send? Most of the programs will send you a general list of do's and don'ts if you ask, but they will leave the actual purchases up to the individual. If you would like to take part in such a charitable operation, contact your local church to find the nearest reception area for the boxes. Meanwhile, here's a checklist of items you may want to consider including in your shoebox gift offering.
1. General gifts appropriate for all ages. No matter what age or gender you choose, these gifts should be well-received by any child. You might consider non-perishable candies- lollipops or other hard candies may be best. Bible coloring books may also work on all levels, because the younger children may enjoy the coloring while the older ones enjoy the stories. School supplies such as rulers and colored pencils would be appropriate for all ages, as well as a notebook or supply of paper. Solar-powered calculators are not expensive, and are very universal.
Toys that light up or make sounds are fascinating for children, as long as you include some extra batteries. Musical toys are also welcomed at all ages, as are balls and yo-yos.
A very popular choice of gift for any age is a personal hygiene product. Toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap bars, and combs are some excellent items to include in your box. You might also consider washcloths, socks, and t-shirts.
2. Gifts best suited for girls. If you are selecting gift items for a girl, you may want to include dolls and doll clothing, toy jewelry sets, stickers, hairclips or posters. Anything from American pop culture, such as posters of boy bands or other teen idols may be appropriate for older girls, while younger girls may appreciate stickers and posters featuring animals or flowers.
Feminine watches or costume bracelets may also be well-received by your child. Young girls also enjoy stamps and ink pad sets, along with sunglasses and stuffed animals.
3. Gifts best suited for boys. Boys seem to appreciate sports-related items such as baseball caps or professional wrestling memorabilia. They also respond well to small toy cars, such as Hot Wheels, and toys that require a lot of action- frisbees, baseballs, etc. One gift idea you must avoid is anything war-related, such as toy guns or knives. Many of these children are refugees from war-torn countries, so avoid any gift that encourages war-like behavior, especially for young boys. Boys also like watches that look rugged, posters of American pop idols and sport trading cards. Younger boys may enjoy picture books, while older boys may enjoy puzzles.
Things you should not include in any gift shoebox are: used items, anything war-related, liquids such as shampoo or lotion, perishable foods and medicines. These items do not travel well, or may be abused without proper supervision. Be careful about sending anything remotely breakable, because the sharp edges may hurt children who are excitedly opening their gifts.
A shoebox gift donation takes very little time and effort, and is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have during the holiday season. Be sure to include a few photographs of yourself and your family, along with your contact information. Many of the children enjoy corresponding with those special people who thought enough about them to send gifts from far away.
