Filling Shoeboxes for Haiti
// Jeanne DeTellis Loudon
I’ve got that feeling of excitement to show the love of Jesus in packing a shoebox for my little boy in Haiti.
Packing a shoebox gives me an opportunity not only to show love to my sponsored boy, but to also bless his family.
Sitting with our high school students, Jeanne DeTellis is reminded that shoebox gifts matter to students of all ages.
So…what will you pack inside your shoebox? There are many great ideas: school supplies and hygiene items including soap, a washcloth, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Some of the feedback we receive from parents and kids is that they love items for their family. Games such as Dominoes are great, because they can play together, and deflated soccer balls and dolls are appreciated, too. Flashlights with extra batteries and home utensils (spoons and forks) are very useful. Water bottles are a big help as our students walk to school.
Christy Dillon and Molly Knost hold samples of the pre-paid shoeboxes we pack (age-specific) on your behalf. Order them online at shoeboxdrive.com.
With the sun being strong, a new hat is also a comforting gift. I will send clothes for my boy (and undergarments), and maybe something special for his parents/family. I’m certain moms would like a box of small Ziploc bags to hold some food items or spices. And if I find a watch and a solar calculator, that will be helpful, too.
Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who serve during our Shoebox Drive. Each shoebox counts, because each child matters. So plan now to host a packing party at your church, school, or office.
I thank God for the reflection of His loving-kindness in our sponsors to provide a Christmas shoebox—to encourage our children and let them know we love them and care for them. ~Jeanne DeTellis Loudon
