Add a note and picture

It is a great to include a personal note and picture. 

It is fun to write to the child, telling them a bit about you and your family, how special they are and how God loves them.  And don't forget to add a picture of yourself/family.

If you have kids you can download the About Me papers from here. And have them fill out the paper and there is a spot for a picture on the paper.

If you are packing a lot of boxes, or are just running out of time.

You can always combine the two.

Here is the card that we are adding to our boxes.

This one could be used for either gender.

And this one for the girls.

You can find the cards here.

Favorite Stores

Do you have regular stores that you visit to buy your OCC items?
Here are a few of mine.

Michaels-
They always have great items for $1.50-$2.00 and if you hit the right time, you can find great clearance items up to 80% off.
I was there on Saturday and they had tons of items that would make great theme boxes, Hello Kity, Mickey Mouse, pencils, erasers, notebooks, crayons, etc.
You can also sign up for their email coupons.   They often have 50% off one item.

Dollar Stores
Great for pretty much all items you can think of putting into a box.
Hygiene, School Supplies, Toys, Stuffed Animals, etc.

Party Stores
Again great items if you're going to do theme boxes or just want to add something extra special
They often have packs of items, making them less expensive.

Box Stores- Superstore, Walmart
Great end of season clearance on clothing and toys.
School supplies in August. (often they are cheaper than the dollar store at this time of year)
And Candy after halloween.

Old Navy-
The odd time you can find clear out clothing for .97 cents. ( my mom is great at finding these.  You just need to take time to search)
And the .25 cent balls from the ball vending machine.  One of my favorite buys!

Do you have favorite stores that you like to check in on to pick up supplies?

Thanks to Gina for posting this...
We found a great deal @ Ardene's. Surprise bags are 2 for $5. They contain hair accessories and jewelery, etc. Got tonnes of great stuff for girls in each one!

If you are looking for girls 10-14 sandals, they have 5 pairs for $10.00. They had a lot of selection!

Anyone have any other deals they've found?

Multiple Monday-Clothes Line and Bungee Cords

 I love giving variety in my boxes! I found rope at dollarama and with my dad's help we were able to divide it between 4 boxes. It was alot of rope for $1.00! We walked around the house, well the middle part, a few times:) And I bought a package of clothes pins. So I added 6-7 to each bag. So for $2.00 I could give 4 girls -clothes lines and pins. Or they could use the rope for other things.

And for boys boxes, I like to add bungee cords.  My son had this idea and they use them all the time.  So why not add it to a boys box.

What do you like to divide?

2 Weeks until Collection Week!

2 weeks until Collection Week! One week until our Packing Party at church. The donation box was overflowing this morning. I am so thankful for everyone who has donated and helped bag soap and candy this morning. Plus our highschool Sunday School class moved all the boxes and supplies upstairs to our fellowship hall-this is a HUGE blessing! A little less to do on Saturday, when we set up for the party. We were praying for 250 boxes, and I am excited to see how many we will pack! God we do it for your Honour and Glory!

Friday Favorites- Hygiene Items

Items we take for granted, are a blessing to those who receive a box.

These are items that get packed into every box I pack.

 REMEMBER TO PLACE YOUR SOAP IN A ZIPLOC BAG.

Must haves.

Do you have specific items that you add to every box your pack?

Here's a run down of my Must Haves.

Hygiene-Wash cloth, soap (in a ziploc bag) toothbrush.
* I try to add a comb to every box. But I make sure girls for sure have combs.

School Supplies-Pencils, eraser, pens, pencil sharpener, crayons/markers or pencil crayons and Paper or coloring book.
*older kids I add sissors.

Stuffed Animal.
Every child deserves to have something sweet and cuddly.

Toys- Ball

Boys- car and yo-yo or slinky or marbles

Girls- jewelry, hair accessories, skipping rope.

Clothing-I like to add one piece of clothing per box.
Footwear, underwear and shirts are some of my favorites.

And a ziploc bag of hard candy.

What are some of your Must Haves?