This is our first year trying to reach out to kids with our Christmas Shoe Box Program. We have approximately 100 shoe boxes to fill for kids locally and overseas. We want to  put as much love as we can in them because by doing so we are expressing our love for Christ. There are some do’s and don’ts that we have to be aware of so please read the list below. Some Pastors have included pictures of their kids. If you find a picture you are welcome to keep it so you will have a memento of the child you helped provide Christmas. Please feel free to include a picture of yourself and family. It gives the kids a face to relate to and makes it a more remembered experience. You can include a note with your address if you would like the child to try and write back. Not all kids have the means to write you back so you may want to include a envelope and stamp.

Things to include:

Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
Non-liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
Accessories: T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.
Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets. Non -liquid water colors, and glue sticks are okay.

Candy and toothpaste: hard candy, gummy bears, caramels, taffy, gum, and toothpaste can be packed as long as its expiration date is at least six months.

Things not to include:

Used or damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.