The Novotny family tradition began 14 years ago. I walked into my local Bible book store and there was this huge stack of shoe boxes, and next to it was a display of books titled Miracle in a Shoe Box, by Franklin Graham, founder of Operation Christmas Child.
I picked up the book and skimmed through it only to discover this was the story about Operation Christmas Child in action. I was compelled from that moment to begin an annual tradition with my children, filling shoe boxes with a variety of items to be sent across the world to children who were in desperate situations.
The book has since gone out of print (available online at used book sites and maybe your local library) but the tradition has continued on in my family and across the country.
Will you begin a new family tradition and join the Novotny family in filling shoe boxes? It is a simple and meaningful tradition to begin and all the instructions and how to's are below.
Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Since 1993, more than 69 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.
November 15 – 22, 2010 is National Collection Week. To find a drop off location near you
click here
How to Pack a Shoe Box
1. SHOE BOX
Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray 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. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.
3. FILL WITH GIFTS
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.
4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION
Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.
5. DROP OFF
Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you during our collection time November 1 - 18.For locations and hours of collection visit our
Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949.
GIFT IDEASTOYS small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
A PERSONAL NOTE In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans
Printable – Labels and Instructions-Click here for the above printable instructions and box labels
Follow Your Shoe Box-You can now follow your show box to its final destination by using
EZ Give when filling your shoe box .
Click here for the Follow your shoe box
EZ Give instructions.
children would get to experience once again the fun of giving to others and we will Build -a-Box online for Operation Christmas child. 
