There are a wide variety of clothing items appropriate for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes! For example:

T-shirts – Shirts without writing are best. English is not the primary language in many of the OCC countries and kids may not even understand what is written on their shirts. There’s also a culture gap.

Shorts, especially those with elastic waistbands so they last and fit longer.

Skirts, especially with elastic waistbands

Hats

Flip Flops/Shoes – These are especially important because shoes help kids who have to walk long distances to get to school or to get water from a well.

Socks – These are key…it gets cold at night even though the days are hot.

Handmade “Pillowcase” Dresses

Bandanas

Gloves/Mittens

Belts

Sundresses

Coloring Books
Small Cars/Dolls
Trucks
Jump Rope
Paddle ball
Slinkies
Small Stuffed Animal
Dominos/Marbles
Yo-yos
Puzzles
Beach Balls/Balls with pump
Hacky Sack
Small Etch a Sketch
Small instrument/ Kazoo
Craft Kit
Ball and jacks
Checkers
Tic-Tac-Toe

Toothbrush* (No toothpaste)
Washcloth*
Hand towel
Hair brush/comb
Compact mirror

A few things to note:

• Soap (bars AND liquid soap) and liquids are not accepted.
• Wet wipes are accepted however because wet wipes do not have enough liquid to spill out into the shoebox so they are OK to include in your gift.
• Toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone.
• Toothbrushes can only be accepted if they are in SEALED packing. That means if you buy a five-pack of toothbrushes, please leave them packaged…one child will receive all five. But that’s ok - those toothbrushes may be all the entire family ever has.

Paperpads/Steno books*
Pencils*
Sharpeners*
Pens
Crayons (Crayola brand, others will melt)
Erasers
Markers
Mini Stapler/staples
Ruler
School Scissors
Small journals
Ruler
Watercolors
Pencil Case
Solar calculator