A Signature Mark

One of the reasons why I love couponing so much is because it multiplies what you can buy!  I know, like I need more reasons to shop!

One ministry that I love to shop for is Operation Christmas Child.  Through OCC, shoebox filled gifts are sent throughout the world to children in need.  Common items included are school supplies, toys, hygiene items, games, etc.  I shop year round for my OCC items and love getting items at their lowest prices!  

Year round shopping typically includes shopping for end of season/holiday clearance, back to school shopping and then everyday sales.  To assist in finding the best deals, I recommend following www.clipwithpurpose.com and www.livingrichwithcoupons.com as they cover all of my shopping interests.

This year, I also decided to start packing shoeboxes early.  As of date, I have packed 10 out of the 12 boxes I'm intending to send to OCC this fall.  Whenever I got  a shoebox, I wrapped it and packed it right away.  Each time, I wrote a content list in order for me to do last minute checks in November.  

This is box #10 which includes: hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair comb, deodorant, facial tissue pack, two washcloths, soap, hair accessories), school items (backpack, journal, pencil case with pens, pencils, erasers, mini stapler, mini highlighter, paper clips) and clothing and accessories (shirt, necklace, friendship bracelets, hawaiian lei necklace).  I'm sure I forgot to list something. 

The last thing I want to share is about leaving a signature mark.  I bought a roll of masking tape at Michael's (clearance isle, of course) and it wan't until a few months later that I knew it was meant to be used for OCC.  I cut one section of tape and affix it to the lid of each box and then fill in the corresponding number (things didn't get complicated until box #10).  This is a great way for me to pray for my boxes and know what else is needed in each box.

The number line is also perfect to reinforce counting skills.

Please visit www.samaritanspurse.com/occ to learn more about how you can become involved in Operation Christmas Child.