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How to Pack More into Less Space in an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox ~ Guest Post

One of my greatest "trials" in packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes is fitting in everything I want to send-lol! So, I'm always trying to figure out how to get one more thing in. I love to hear other's ideas on the subject, and as there doesn't seem to be much out there on fitting more in OCC GO shoeboxes, I decided to start a series of posts on it. The first is a guest post I asked Amy Lukens to write!

How to Pack More into Less
You Really Can Fit a Lot into the Preprinted Boxes.
By Amy Lukens

Just as any of you reading this, packing shoeboxes is my passion. I am an Operation Christmas Child Area Coordinator in the Upper Midwest Region and have been packing shoeboxes for over 15 years. Lots of practice and natural spatial awareness have helped me to figure out ways to pack a lot in a little shoebox.

Before I go any further, I want to point out that this is how I pack my boxes. It is not the “right” way to pack. God has placed certain items on my heart to pack or not pack. He may have placed different items on your heart and that is perfect. The shoeboxes go to a variety of children with different needs and wants. Also I do pack mostly in OCC’s Preprinted boxes, but I will also pack a slightly larger box if needed. Certain items like teenage boy’s tennis shoes will not fit into the Preprinted boxes no matter how much you try. I will pack a little larger box such as a 6qt plastic box if necessary.

Here is how I pack my shoeboxes:

1. Remove packaging!

Clearance Deals for OCC Shoebox Stockpile Saturday ~ 9/3/2016

 I got some fun items for my Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes at Dollar General's 50% off clearance last weekend:

Dollar General clearance sales for Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing.

I also found sum "summer" toys on (unmarked) clearance 75% off at CVS-so 75 cents a piece.

CVS clearance shopping for Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing.

I also forgot to include this photo last week.  I found these at Walgreens 90% off for 69 cents a piece. I know that's more than say the 17 cent lined paper notebooks at Walmart, but these were so nice, I thought it would be worth more-almost a WOW item for some of my 10-14 year old girl shoeboxes.



Spent from shoebox packing budget: $7.29

Spent from gift cards  I earned or won online: $4

Added to stockpile:
  • 9 water bottles
  • 1 Lego type kit
  • 6 sheet stickers
  • 1 construction vehicle toy
  • 4 sets jacks (could be split into 8 sets if needed-1 ball and 8 jacks each)
  • 1 yo-yo
  • 3 nice journals
If you are interested in tips for packing, check out our series of Tips for Packing Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

             
Disclosure: Links on Simply Shoeboxes may be affiliate partners or referrals.
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