How To
Fill A Shoe Box
(for Oregon/Idaho area only - sorry we don't have drop off locations in other areas)
***** SAFETY ALERT - Please do not include toothpaste that comes from China. In many cases there is an ingredient that is potentially health threatening. Thank you. *****
Open a 'Shoebox Inventory Form' in PDF format
Print, then click on 'Back' to come back here.
Open 'Guidelines for Operation Shoebox Donors' in PDF format
Print, then click on 'Back' to come back here.
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Step 1 |
Find an empty shoebox (plastic type-OK) You can wrap it if you like but wrapping is not required. Wrap the lid separately (for easy inspection). |
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Step 2 |
Fill out an inventory sheet and attach it to the top of the box. Indicate whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and fill in their approximate age. |
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Step 3 |
Fill your shoebox making choices from the inventory form and indicate the contents with a check mark on the inventory list. About 14 items makes a full box. Toy suggestions: doll, ball, car, cards, marbles, plastic kazoos, harmonicas, jump ropes, yo-yo, dominoes. |
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Step 4 |
Tie your box with yarn or string and deliver your box or boxes to the drop-off site nearest you. ***** For donations of 5 or more shoeboxes, please use these instructions, click here. ***** |
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Step 5 |
Print 'Guidelines for Operation Shoebox Donors' for form for voluntary shipping donation. |
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Do NOT include the following items: · Used items |
About Our Shoeboxes
Last year 4,000 Honduran children were touched by the Operation Shoebox Relief Project. Typically our shoeboxes are filled with personal hygiene items, school supplies, hard candy, an item of clothing and a toy. Individuals of all ages made gift-filled shoeboxes, sending a message of hope to needy children. Luis Redondo, a Honduran teacher who helped distribute the boxes writes:
"I remember very well the day we gave out the shoeboxes to the children. There was a very long line of children. It seemed to be never ending. There were boys and girls of all ages, and mothers were in line holding their babies. No one was bothered by the sun, heat, or long wait. They all waited so patiently for their turn at the front of the line to receive their gift. My country is very poor and without you, these children would never have toys to play with and they will never forget your kindness. It may seem incredible to you, but this may be the only gift these children will ever receive in their entire life. Thank you Operation Shoebox, in the name of the children that you make so happy, and with thankfulness and love."
Hondurans are currently in an extended recovery phase after Hurricane Mitch. They continue to be a very poor country and will need our help in the years to come. You have the opportunity to bring a smile to a needy child in Honduras, Central America by making a shoebox filled with basic health and school supplies and a simple toy. Unfortunately this is only cost effective if you are in the Oregon area because of shipping expenses. If you're outside the Oregon area, of course financial donations are very welcome. But if you're in the Oregon area, and want to take part in this exciting project, simply follow the instructions below. Receiving a shoebox is a joy most U.S. kids would take for granted. Through no fault of their own, many Honduran kids have little hope of receiving such a present. Operation Shoebox invites you to share the thrill of helping to make a small difference in the life of a Honduran child, one shoebox at a time. This is a gift of love and concern. Have fun and enjoy doing it with someone!
Anne Goldsmith, e-mail:Altamontana45@aol.com
Shoebox Coordinator
Operation
Shoebox
c/o Medical Teams
P.O. Box 10
Portland, Oregon 97207-0010
503-624-1000 or 1-800-959-4325
A project of
Medical Teams International