Operation Christmas Child Appeal box is ready

This morning I packed all my little gifts into the wrapped Shoebox ready for the

2016 Operation Christmas Child Appeal.

Several of the gifts are a little larger this year so I didn't manage to fit quite so many into the box, only 20.  However, I hope that is OK and the presents will be well received.

 

As suggested by the organisation there is a mixture of toys, toiletries, stationary items and toys.

Another drawstring bag, another finish

I am gradually working through the To Do List I wrote about on my blog on 19th September.

Item 5 was: Make a little drawstring bag for my Christmas Shoe Box Appeal gift.

I love making these bags, using 2.5" squares from my Box of already cut squares.
As it's intended for a little girl, aged 2 - 4 years, I chose bright pretty squares.  A largish scrap of fabric was ideal for the lining and a bright yellow spotty 1.5"strip (also in my pre-cut stash) was used for the casing.  Pretty ribbon I had bought in New Zealand and 2 yellow buttons from my Button Stash completed the bag.

Here it is:

 

I used the same 16 fabrics on each side of the bag but rearranged them in a different order.  I like playing with colours and placements!

And a little view of the lining - I love this fabric but can't remember what it is called.
I cut the pieces left over from the lining into a few more 2.5" squares and one 2.5" strip which are already stashed away.

 

Another gift finished and added to my Shoe Box.

I also bought a couple more things yesterday; a bright orange castanet and a glittery silver star Christmas decoration.

 

Operation Christmas Child 2014

Just wrapped my Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox in Christmas paper. 
Quite a fiddly job but it looks alright - I think!

Always amazed how many small gifts I can squeeze into a shoebox. 
Totals 21 this year:

Little teddy and his quilt
Patchwork tote bag
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Pencil case & pack of pencil crayons, sharpener, set of erasers shaped like animals, mini gel pens
Box of chubby wax crayons
Pad of coloured drawing paper
Pretty tin with soap inside
Knitted scarf & beanie set
Lollipop
2 packets of sweets
Soft Mini Mouse ball
Pack of 3 fancy  hair  bobbles

 

 

So, all ready to be packed back into the shoebox. I know they will all fit inside as I did a trial pack before I covered the box.

 

I have aimed my box at a little 2-4 year old girl so I hope it brings some Christmas joy to whoever gets my gift.  It is sent with love. 

3 Beanies

Around this time of year people in my Church are busy putting together Christmas paper-covered shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child.  This is such a wonderful project - the shoeboxes are filled with all manner of small gifts ( knitted hats, scarves, small soft toy, hair slides, balls, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, sweets, stationery items etc) and then sent overseas to many countries in Eastern Europe, Africa  and so on which are then handed out to children to enjoy at Christmas.  A simple idea, it's amazing how many different gifts you can squeeze into one shoebox. You decide whether the gift is for a boy or girl and the age range it suits best.

There is a table at Church where you can put extra gifts ( other folk take one to add to their box, leaving a small donation which goes towards shipping costs) . Sometimes people don't feel able to fill a whole box so contribute a few items that others can use. Every little helps.  Last year my Church was able to send 250 filled shoeboxes, so we hope for even more this year.  They will be collected at a Dedication Service at the beginning of November so time is rushing by to finish making gifts.

I have been busy making and buying little gifts for my box which is aimed at a 2-4 year old girl.  The Beanie hats are so quick and easy to make I made 4, one to put in my own shoebox and 3 for others to use.

The Beanies

 

 

I didn't do a shoebox last year but did two years ago.  I will post a photo of the finished box - not quite yet as I am making two items to add to it, then it will be done.

I'm also busy with my quilting so lots in production here!