Wow, great deals, Leslie! You got some fantastic items! I don’t think I have a Goodwill outlet here in my area, but I’m definitely going to check into it. Thanks so much for sharing.
I like watching your videos and I think it’s awesome that you’re being such a good steward or your resources! I love packing shoeboxes too and I never thought about going to the goodwill bins, I’ll have to check that out this year-it looks like you found some nice, new stuff! If you’re open to it I do have a bit of feedback. The purpose of OCC shoeboxes is to share God’s love and the gospel with children who may have never heard before. For many, this will be the only gift they ever receive. Each child deserves to receive a gift that is full of items they will enjoy/could actually use. As emissaries for Christ, I feel that we should do our very best to pack boxes that would meet this criteria. Your boxes had some really great things (coloring book, stuffed animal, notebook, etc.) but they also had some things that most children, especially those living in dire straits, cannot use (old robot toy that requires batteries to work and scissors to open the package, random Christmas ornament, and shoelaces without shoes). Imagine the disappointment a child would feel to open up their shoebox gift and find shoelaces when their family can’t afford to buy them shoes. Sending as many shoeboxes as possible is a noble goal, but I do not feel that the attitude of “I found this random item for cheap so I’m sending it, maybe they can find a use for it” is very Christlike. Instead, I feel that we could all best serve by shifting our focus to sending quality shoeboxes that will bring joy and be a true example of God’s love to those who receive them. Maybe that means cutting back on the number of boxes you send so that you can use your resources to add more usable/appropriate items to the boxes you do pack. I am writing this with the upmost respect and love for you as a sister in Christ, and I don’t mean to be offensive at all. I just felt lead to comment on this. I’ll be praying for God to bless you and the recipients of all the shoeboxes you’ve sent!
I love doing OCC boxes, and the Goodwill bins is chock full of great things for those boxes. I also pick up New with tag clothing for kids and put them in the boxes. Always nice to get a new shirt, or a new set of socks. Now when I go, the regulars know I collect things for the OCC boxes, and bring me things they find to give to me. Fantastic!
The best things I've found at the GW bins for shoeboxes are pristine stuffies and unused coloring books. It has saved me alot of money picking up this two categories there.
Yes. I agree....and boxes of crayons for the coloring books. Not always the cheapest way to buy them (they are usually .25 cents at Target in early September), but I will pick them up. I also see lots of new with tags ornaments. I will get them, because I can imagine some child might want a special little ornament....even without a tree. Thanks for watching!
Always look forward to your shoeboxes and your Easter baskets! I think I’ve mentioned before how much I love Samaritan’s Purse, and I pack shoeboxes year-round with my clearance finds. Such a fun way to combine the things I love- clearance shopping and sharing the Good News of the Gospel with those who may not otherwise know about Jesus’ love for them. I turned in 76 personal boxes the other day. Thanks for sharing, Leslie. ❤❤
@@aseriesoffrugalthoughts7042 Ha! Well, to be honest- I start packing around summertime. ;-) By November, the majority of my boxes are already packed. I go back over them to add anything missing and to add the personal note (the org says the children really love these) before I send them on their journey across the globe. :)
I was a bit skeptical before watching your video but I was pleasantly surprised by the lovely new items you've picked up. Do you include school supplies in all your boxes?
Love your honesty! I really try to put school supplies....I got tons of .10 cent notebooks a few years ago...I have to kind of fold them over, but I figure that is okay. I get lots of unused pencils at the Goodwill bins. I usually spend hours sharpening them....not sure if they have easy access to sharpeners. Thanks for watching!
I find things at my Goodwill. I hope u filled your boxes fuller than what u showed. They should be almost bulging or they have to add other items at the processing center
I find things at Goodwill and Target clearance. My boxes are very generously filled....I did 60 boxes this past November. The people who accepted them were overwhelmed by the contents. They were effusive with appreciation.
