How to Pack and Send a Box for Operation Christmas Child

Thanksgiving is so late this year and is therefore shortening the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas music and decorations are banned from our house until Santa makes his grand appearance in the world-famous Thanksgiving Day Parade.

But, I give all of you permission to break tradition just long enough to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. Pop in your favorite Christmas music, gather the family and have some good old-fashioned fun while teaching your children how to be giving, caring individuals. I am asking each reader to commit with your family to pack one shoebox filled with trinkets and treats for a child around the world.

What is required from you?

1. A box (cardboard or plastic - similar in size to a shoe box). Want to have a shoebox packing party? You can order boxes online for a donation.
2. Print and attach a label for your box indicating gender and age group of the recipient!
3. Stuff the box with goodies (more info below)
4. Drop-off your box during the 3rd week of November! 
5. Donate $7.00 per box to cover shipping costs. If you cover the shipping cost online, you are able to print a unique barcode and Follow your box around the world. If you wish to write a check, please check their web site for current info on how to do so. 

Do you have to drop off your box at a designated location?

No. You may mail boxes at any time throughout the year to this address:

Operation Christmas Child

Samaritan's Purse

PO Box 3000

801 Bamboo Road

Boone, NC 28607

Suggested Items for Boxes:

• Toys (Ideas for Boys and Girls)
• School Supplies (Don't forget the crafty supplies, too.)
• Hygiene Items
• Accessories
• Something personal from you

Sending Something Personal

I think this might be my favorite part of the box and here are some of my ideas for what you can put in the box:

• A handwritten note and photograph of your family
• Artwork made by your kids (polymer clay sculpture, jewelry, paintings/drawings, etc.)
• Something handmade by you (a zippered pouch, game, etc.)

I read on the Operation Christmas Child web site that if you include your name and complete mailing address, you may even get a response back from the child. How cool is that?

Can I still help if I don't have time to pack a box?

Yes! You can build a box online!

For additional information: OCC: How to pack a Box

10 Crochet Hats for Him

Men aren't always easy to buy for and it's even harder to make them something. Have no fear! Here is a round-up of 10 Crochet Patterns of various styles and ages that will work for the guys on your Christmas list.

Christmas Ball Ornament Hanger Crochet Tutorial

Supplies (for Ornament Topper Only):
Approx. 10 yards of Loops & Threads Impeccable Glitter Yarn in Gray
Size "H" Crochet Hook

One Hour Fingerless Gloves

This is my very first original pattern, so please leave comments and feel free to post pictures on my Facebook Wall. The pattern is also on Ravelry as a free download. I would love to see what you come up with!







Materials
Size P Hook
40 yards Super Bulky
I used ½ skein of Lion
Brand Hometown USA.

Pattern
Ch 12 & Join with slip stitch
Round 1-3: Ch 2, HDC 11, Join with slip stitch
*For longer gloves: Repeat Ch 2, HDC 11, Join with
slip stitch until desired length is reached. For the pink gloves, there we no extra rows. For the grayish gloves, I did one extra row.
Round 4-5: Ch 2, HDC to end, turn
Round 6: Ch 2, HDC to end, Join to first stitch with a
slip stitch
Round 7: Ch 2, HDC around, Join with slip stitch

For Left Hand:
Round 8: Do not Ch 2. HDC into same stitch as slip
stitch, HDC 7 and slip stitch into next stitch, Turn.
Round 9: Sc in next stitch, then sc 8 stitches and slip
stitch at end. Bind off and weave in ends.

For Right Hand:
Round 8: Turn, HDC into next stitch, then HDC 7
stitches and slip stitch into next stitch. Turn.
Round 9: Sc in next stitch, then sc 8 stitches and slip
stitch at end. Bind off and weave in ends.

Notes: I used Lion Brand Hometown USA, but any Super Bulky yarn (or two strands of Worsted Weight) should work.