To start, all you need is a average-sized cardboard or plastic shoebox. Once you decide on an age/gender category, the fun begins!
Choose a "WOW!" item - a bigger gift that will really catch the child who receives the box's eye. A doll or a soccer ball (deflated, with a pump) are a couple good ideas. Fill the rest of the box with small toys, clothes, hygiene items, and school supplies. Really pack it full! Taking items out of their bulky packaging allows you to squeeze more inside. You are also encouraged to include a picture of yourself and/or a note.
Most importantly, be sure to pray for the child who will receive the box. After receiving a shoebox gift, children have the opportunity to enroll in a Bible course that teaches them about God's greatest Gift to mankind - Jesus!
We are packing for a 2-4 year old girl (the closest category to Beatrix.) What's inside our shoebox?
We chose 2 dolls for our "WOW!" item, because Beatrix loves dolls. Also a toy flute, some princess dress-up jewelry, a coloring book and crayons, a jump rope, a foam puzzle, stickers, a picture book, a sun hat, a pair of mittens, a warm hat, 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of flip-flops, a cup, a spoon and fork, a toothbrush with a case, a bar of soap, a "magic" washcloth, a frog bath-puppet, a frog washcloth, and a bunch of hair pretties!
It took some creative packing to get it all inside, but we did it!
A prayer for the shoebox before it goes off by car, plane, boat - maybe even by donkey-back - around the world, to a special little girl who is waiting to hear a message of good news and hope! You are never too little to change someones world!
