At Breakaway Outreach, we believe that a small gift can make a big difference in helping a child facing hardship begin to hope again.
Through our HOPE AGAIN Christmas outreach, we partner with community agencies, homeless missions, transitional living facilities, and domestic abuse shelters to mobilize volunteers in serving children facing hardship during the holiday season.
You can spread the joy and hope of the Christmas Spirit with at-risk children and underserved kids in your area.
Pack shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for children affected by domestic violence, homelessness, transitional living, parental incarceration, financial insecurity, and other adverse childhood situations. Deliver the shoeboxes to one of our network locations in your region during the collection period, December 1-15. This is a simple way for churches, individuals, families, small groups, Sunday School classes, or office teams to share Christmas joy with kids in crisis.
HOW TO PACK A SHOEBOX
1. Find a Shoebox. Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. *Clear shoebox-sized bins are great as a reusable storage gift in lieu of cardboard shoe boxes, and are multi-purposeful in transitional living situations.
2. Girl or Boy? Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, 10-13, or 14-17. Indicate this by placing a label on the box. (Avoid choking hazard toys for ages 2-4).
3. Fill with Gifts. Select a quality “wow” toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, model car kit, stuffed animal or lego/art kit. Then add other fun toys, hygiene and/or school supplies, and “Jesus” celebration items. Remember, don’t seal the box shut.
4. Consider a Christian, family-friendly, or morally acceptable book. Contact us for a list of age appropriate fiction or non-fiction books that have been screened by our staff and deemed child/youth/family friendly and free of political/social agenda.
CHILDREN GIFT IDEAS:
- Any toys (except guns/violent toys) and extra batteries for toys that need them
- Educational board games or puzzles, reading books (our friend, Emma Yarlett, has some amazing illustrated children’s books)
- Fidget toys, matchbox cars, robots, or STEM kits
- Legos/building blocks
- Sports Gear: Nerf footballs, soccer balls
- Clothing and Accessories: socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), new socks, gloves, etc.
- Dolls and action figures
- Stationary gifts: fun pens/art tools, stickers, sketch pads, coloring and picture books, etc.
- Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, bath sets w/ combs and brushes, etc.
- Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, bookmarks, and friendship bracelets.
- A personal note.
TEEN GIFT IDEAS:
- Art kits
- Appropriate books, journals (our friend, Allison Tebo, has some fantastic teen and young adult books)
- Sports equipment: footballs, basketballs (include miniature air pump for inflating)
- Clothing and Accessories: socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), new socks, gloves, etc.
- Hygiene items (soaps, gels, lotions, body spray, cologne, nail polish)
- Gift cards (retail stores, theaters, and fast food chains)
Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
4. Pray. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo.
5. Drop-Off. Take your shoebox gift to a local/regional network agency during the collection period (noted above).
Please fill out this volunteer form for more information about a delivery location in your area.
Want to give but can’t pack your own shoebox? You can make a tax-deductible donation and we will distribute the gift for you.
Sponsor a child today and give a Christmas blessing they will never forget!
The average amount for child sponsorship is $25.
*Clear shoebox-sized bins are great as a reusable storage gift in lieu of cardboard shoe boxes, and are multi-purposeful in transitional living situations.
