Jeri emailed in the following tip:
I thought this might be a good time to let readers know (or remind them) that since school supplies are so inexpensive right now, this might be the perfect time to stock up for Operation Christmas Child. Purchasing some extra glue sticks, rulers, pencils, etc. now can be a great contribution for those who are filling shoe boxes. It’s a great ministry and one worth checking into! -Jeri
My husband and I are coordinators for our church, who is a area collection center for shoeboxes. We have been making shoeboxes for several years, and each year can make even more. I not only take advantage of inexpensive school supplies, but use my couponing skills to get great stuff for shoeboxes all year round. We are proud to say we have made 24 boxes this year, and hope to make more next year.
I have a goal to spend only $15 on my box this year {including shipping}. Last year was $20, but I’d like to make it a little more affordable so I can possibly do two.
Great tip! I do this all year long.Earlier this year, Target had a $4/2 children’s clothing coupon, so I picked up some nice shirts (regularly $8, after coupon and clearance ended up being $1 each), and have gotten free markers, crayons, watercolor sets, and pens/pencils using some of the coupons and deals here on MSM. I don’t make it to the store too often, but especially after Christmas clearance and school supply season, I try to pick things up for our boxes.
I’m doing OCC boxes all year long too! I find things on clearance at the Target dollar spot or stock up on candy after Halloween too. Its been AWESOME doing it all year long this year!! I’ve already filled more shoeboxes this year than I did last year and its only August! Will definitely be stocking up on school supplies too! 🙂
I love OCC! I’m currently seeing how many items I can get for $10 out of pocket, with a maximum of 25 cents per item. I think I may have to up that in order to spend the whole $10 before sales are over! I already have SO much. Definitely a great time of year to stock up!
Yup! I made sure to get several extra boxes of crayons.
Yes, yes, yes! 🙂 When I bought my daughter her back-to-school shoes, I asked the cashier at Payless if she had any extra empty shoeboxes. She knew exactly what I was looking for and she pulled out four for me. She said that the next time I was coming by, to call the day before so she could hold the boxes for me. And she said that this is a good time of year to ask for the boxes – a lot of people come in November (as they’re actually packing their shoeboxes) and they run out of extras, so if you’d like some free shoeboxes, now is the time to ask for them!
Great tip! Thanks for sharing this idea.
Thanks for this reminder! This is my 3rd year participating with
Operation Christmas Child, and I’ve been waiting for this window
of opportunity to stock up on some school supplies for the boxes.
I love using my money-saving skills (thanks to wonderful bloggers
like Crystal!) to help others.