Menu

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Single Moms Income

Kicking low income to the curb. Earn Extra Income as a Single Parent

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact us
  • Extra Income
  • Home
  • Find Work
    • Work at Home Jobs
    • Freelance Writing
    • Income Reports
    • How I Make Money Blogging
  • Save Money
    • Budgeting
    • Save and Invest
    • Frugal Living
    • Single Mom Resources
    • Resources, Tips and News
    • Budget Binder Printables
    • Financial Resources and Tips

October 22, 2014

Another Great Way to Give: Operation Christmas Child

Share
Pin1K
Tweet
1K Shares

Operation Christmas ChildI’m completely convinced that giving back to people whether that be with a thoughtful note, big batch of cookies, or small gift is one of the best ways you can make a difference in not only the world, but also in yourself.

Something amazing happens when you selflessly help others.

A quick “I love you,” a sincere “I’m here for you,” a random card in the mail, or a hug to someone who really needs it has more power than you realize.

Another great way to give this year is through Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan’s Purse organization that delivers shoe boxes packed with small gifts to needy children around the world.

But first I want to show you something.

Watch this boy’s reaction to getting an OCC shoe box.

How to Pack Operation Christmas Child Boxes on a Budget

Are you looking for an easy way to give back this Christmas? Operation Christmas Child is a great way for you to change the lives of needy children all around the world. Here's how my family was able to pack shoeboxes at around $13 a box. (Plus some shoebox ideas.)I’ve decided this year that I want to fill 5 Operation Christmas Child Boxes. The catch is my budget is only $100 for all five. When you calculate the shipping costs of $7 per box I’m left with $65 or $13 per box.

I want to stuff these boxes full of fun and practical goodness and make some kids happy.

Here’s my plan to pack these boxes on a budget.

Shop at the Dollar Tree – You’ll see below that a lot of the things I’m packing in my boxes came from the Dollar Tree. Buy personal hygiene products, small toys, coloring books, and other school supplies.

Take Inventory of What You Already Have – Do you have toothpaste samples lying around the house? Extra bars of soap? Clothing that your kids have never worn? Look at everything you already have and see if there’s anything you can incorporate in your box.

Scope Out the Clearance Sections – I was able to get a couple of nicer toys at K-mart that were already marked down plus an additional 40% off on clearance. Start checking clearance sections when you go shopping.

Know that Whatever You Give Will be Appreciated – These boxes are going to kids who don’t have a lot. Know that what you give will be appreciated. You don’t have to spend a ton of money.

I decided to do 2 boxes for boys ages 10-14 (they get the least amount), 1 box for a boy age 2-4, 1 box for a girl ages 2-4, and 1 box for a girl age 5-9.

The Dollar Tree

Buying Items from the Dollar Tree for Operation Christmas Child

Here’s what I bought from the Dollar Tree:

  • 2 3pks Toothbrush and Toothbrush Holder @ $1 – $2
  • 2 Hairbrushes @ $1 – $2
  • 1 Blue Stuffed Animal – $1
  • 2 Deodorants @ $1 – $2
  • 2 3pks Dial Soap @ $1 – $2
  • 3 Coloring Books @ $1 – $3
  • 3 Boxes of Crayons @ $1 – $3
  • 3 Notepads @ $1 – $3
  • 3 pks of pencils @ $1 – $3
  • 2 pks of pens @ $1 – $2
  • 2 pks of Dominoes @ $1 – $2
  • 2 2pks of Playing Cards @ $1 – $2
  • 2 6 packs of Tissues @ $1 – $2
  • 2 Flashlights @ $1 – $2
  • 2 Tape Measures @ $1 – $2
  • 2 Interchangeable Screw Driver @ $1 – $2
  • 2 pks of Jolly Ranches @ $1 – $2
  • 1 bag Double Bubble – $1
  • 3 Hair Accessories @ $1 – $3

Dollar Tree Total with Tax – $43.97

Family Dollar

Buying Operation Christmas Child Items From Family Dollar

  • 5 Wash Cloths @ .50 – $2.50
  • 5 pks. Toothpaste @ $1 – $5
  • 2 Stuffed Animals @ $2 – $4
  • 2 70 pc Screw Set @ $1.25 – $2.50
  • 1 Baby Doll – $3

Family Dollar Total with Tax – $18.23

Other Stores

  • 3 Pencil Sharpeners @ .50 – $1.50 (Dollar General)
  • 2 Angry Birds Balls @ .75 – $1.50 (K-Mart)
  • 1 Fish Game – $2 (K-Mart)
  • 1 Ball and Glove – $1.25 (K-Mart)

Total with Tax – $6.70

(I also put a t-shirt that the girls have never worn into the girls ages 2-4 box.)

Total for All 5 Boxes – $68.90

Packing Operation Christmas Child Boxes on a Tight Budget

These boxes are jam packed and I barely went over budget!

But I have to say the very best part of doing this was probably Kailyn’s reaction. She and I watched a lot of the YouTube videos showing little girls her age receiving these boxes. She was instantly asking if it’d be okay if we went and got those little girls so they could ride her bus and be in her class.

She started going through her toys wanting to give all of her stuff away. (She seemed most worried that the little girls wouldn’t have socks. So if I do another box I think I’ll definitely add socks to the list!)

She also made a card to go in the 5-9 year old girl box.

Making a card for Operation Christmas Child Boxes.

Ava, while fascinated with the boxes, didn’t quite grip the concept of giving. She just wanted to make sure that she’ll get one of these boxes for her birthday!

All in all it was a fun project for us to do, a great way for me to once again realize how lucky I am to be living my life, and was another easy way for us to give back!

If you’re interested in participating in Operation Christmas Child this year you can find out more here.

 And if you’re stumped for ideas or want to learn more about the program here are some of the blog posts around the web that can help:

  • What to Pack for 10-14 Year Old Boys
  • 100 Shoe Box Ideas for a Girl
  • 100 Shoe Box Ideas for a Boy
  • Operation Christmas Child Boxes Processing Center
  • The Shoebox Challenge

(If you have a post about Operation Christmas Child on your blog let me know and I’ll link it up.)

Linked up on Thrifty Thursday

Share
Pin1K
Tweet
1K Shares

Filed Under: Money Management

About Alexa

Alexa Mason is the blogger behind Single Moms Income, a personal finance freelance writer, and an online entrepreneur. Come hang out with her on Facebook and Pinterest.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bonita says

    October 22, 2014 at 11:34 am

    We love Operation Christmas Child!!! My daughter and I have volunteered at a processing center in our area for years and we collect things all year via clearance and sales to put in our shoeboxes. I wrote an article with pictures about our experience volunteering in the processing center: http://www.zujava.com/samaritans-purse-operation-christmas-child. The article shows what happens to your shoebox once it arrives at the processing center.

    • Alexa says

      October 24, 2014 at 8:50 am

      I just linked up to your article! I love seeing what goes in the processing center and think that it’s great that you volunteer.

      Next year I’ll definitely be scoping out the clearance sections all year long.

  2. Joe Saul-Sehy says

    October 23, 2014 at 8:23 am

    Cool idea, and I love that your daughter got involved. Even if she doesn’t completely “get it,” the idea of giving vs. receiving is a powerful one!

    • Alexa says

      October 24, 2014 at 8:49 am

      Definitely. Hopefully next year she’ll get it a little more.

  3. Kimber says

    October 23, 2014 at 10:01 am

    I am so glad we have connected – I just love the ideas you share! Operation Christmas Child is truly one of biggest passions. I packed 3 shoeboxes my first year. This year, for my 30th birthday, my goal is to pack 30 boxes. I shop all year long, hit up clearance racks, shamelessly ask for help (just this week my dentist’s office donated 20 toothbrushes when I told them about what I was doing) and sacrifice every available inch of closet space to store my treasures. It makes me so, so happy – and it is such a remarkable way to get my children involved in serving in a hands-on way. It was one of my very first weekly service challenges on my blog: http://www.letsdosomegoodtoday.com/2014/09/04/65/. Thanks for sharing – I love to see what others are doing.

    • Alexa says

      October 24, 2014 at 8:48 am

      30 boxes is awesome! Hopefully I can get there one day. I’m going to start shopping much, much earlier next year though. And it is an amazing way to get kids involved in giving. Kailyn just loves it. I’m hoping that next year the idea will sink in more with Ava.

      • Kimber says

        October 25, 2014 at 12:29 pm

        A great time to shop is early January. A lot of Christmas items are 75-90% off. 🙂 Good luck!

  4. Kayla @ Femme frugality says

    October 23, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    I’ve never even heard of this before! What an amazing operation. I think I’ll have to look into more and maybe I can find a way to participate (on my tight budget). Thanks for sharing!

    • Kimber says

      October 23, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      Kayla – it’s such an amazing program! If you think you can spare $15, you can pack a shoebox (if you get creative). Check out clearance racks for small toys. You can ask around – I have friends donate their “leftover” Halloween candy (things that won’t melt, like suckers and jawbreakers). If you ask your dentist, you can likely get free samples of toothbrushes and toothpaste. If you know anyone who travels for work, ask them to bring back their free hotel soap (preferable something without a strong smell). JoAnns and Michaels have lots of fun craft items (like stickers) for $1 – bring in a 50% off coupon if you have one. There are tons of great ideas out there! Good luck!

      • Alexa says

        October 24, 2014 at 8:43 am

        Hotel soap! That’s another great idea. My Grandma used to keep a HUGE box full of soap she brought back from hotels. I’ll have to tell everyone to keep theirs for me.

  5. Nichole @Budget Loving Military Wife says

    October 24, 2014 at 4:03 am

    What a great idea! We usually give locally to a “Tree of Sharing” type of thing through the Salvation Army. But perhaps we will change our tradition. Obviously these children have much less and we could spread Christmas cheer to many more children on the same budget. Thanks for tips!

    • Alexa says

      October 24, 2014 at 8:37 am

      I think giving locally is a great thing to do too. It’s just that since there are not a whole lot of programs where I live the need in the community is usually filled. Like for instance last year my brothers ex-wife took part in the Christmas gift programs for low income for her children and they ended up with around 50 gifts a piece, it was insane!!

  6. Jessi Fearon (@TheBudgetMama) says

    October 24, 2014 at 7:23 am

    This is a great list of ideas!! I honestly would never have thought of donating the mass amount of freebie toothpaste I have on hand!

    • Alexa says

      October 24, 2014 at 8:33 am

      I’m going to start signing up for all the samples so I can amass a big pile of stuff to put in the boxes next year. 🙂

  7. Heather Grow says

    October 24, 2014 at 11:00 am

    Great ideas. I love that your kids are involved in donating. What a wonderful cause. Thanks for sharing your tips. I think it would be fun to include some homemade items to the boxes.

  8. Charlee Anne says

    October 24, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    I haven’t seen any kid that excited about a present in a long time! This is a fabulous idea, and one that I think we just might do for Christmas next year (this year we’re donating a tree for The Festival of Trees in our city).

  9. Libby says

    October 25, 2014 at 10:21 am

    We also pack boxes for older boys as this is the least-donated demographic.

    I’ve had good luck at the clearance section of Walgreens – specifically finding backpacks for $5 or less.

    Our family dentist sends each patient home with a “goodie” bag which includes a toothbrush and toothpaste. I save these to include in the OCC boxes.

  10. Mrs. Frugalwoods says

    October 26, 2014 at 8:43 am

    What a great idea! I love that your daughters got so involved in the process too. And, I’m impressed you were able to pack the boxes with such wonderful gifts for only $68–that’s fantastic.

  11. Janell says

    October 28, 2014 at 6:55 pm

    Hi, I am visiting from the Frugal Friday Link Up Party! I have never even heard of this charity foundation Operation Christmas Child. I love giving to needy children. I was poverty struck as a child. ( My mother was a single parent with 6 children) I enjoy giving during the holiday season. I am loving this idea for giving. Thanks for sharing.

  12. christening gift ideas says

    September 19, 2015 at 10:15 am

    Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you
    provide. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a
    while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Great read!
    I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Gogle account.

  13. religious books says

    September 20, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    What’s Taking place i’m neww to this, I stumbled upon this I
    have discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads.
    I am hoping to give a contribution & assist other customers like its helped me.
    Good job.

  14. Loana says

    April 29, 2017 at 7:31 pm

    Good. I love that your kids are involved in donating. What a wonderful cause. Thanks for sharing your tips. I think it would be fun to include some homemade items to the boxes.

You Might Also Love

Before you think about blowing your money on a new TV or wardrobe use your tax refund to get ahead financially. Here's how.
How to Use your Tax Refund to Get Ahead Financially
Categories: Money Management, Save and Invest
Ways to Prepare for Your Baby's Financial Future
Ways to Prepare for Your Baby’s Financial Future
Categories: Money, Money Management, Parenting, Planning
diy-piggy-banks-your-kids-will-love
DIY Piggy Banks Your Kids Will Love
Categories: Money, Money Management, Saving Money

Primary Sidebar

Disclaimer:

All information on Single Moms Income is for educational or entertainment purposes only. Please consult a financial professional for professional advice.

Recommended Posts:

  • What to Do If You're Barely Scraping By
  • How I Became a Work from Home Single Mom
  • Recommended Home Based Biz Courses
  • 10 Business Ideas for Women

Footer

Legal Info:

  • Disclaimer
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Affiliate Disclosure

Affiliate links may be used on this page. Single Moms Income may receive compensation and/or commissions from partnerships with certain companies. You can read my full disclosure policy here.  I promise to only recommend products that I use, love and think are super helpful.
slot gacor

Copyright © 2025 - Single Moms Income