The beginning of August may seem like an odd time to start thinking about Operation Christmas Child, except, it is not. The children receiving shoe boxes through OCC need school supplies and those things are super cheap, right now!
If you aren't familiar with Operation Christmas Child, it is an amazing program through Samaritan's Purse that gathers shoe boxes filled with goodies for children in need all across the world. Shoe boxes are packed by individuals like you and me, according to gender and age. When the children receive the boxes, they also receive the Gospel and the opportunity to be in a discipleship program to help them grow in their faith.
Our church is getting started early this year, encouraging members to start stocking up on shoe box worthy items. We hope to have enough donations to have a packing party and send out a lot of boxes as a church. Since I am coordinating the effort (I love events like this!) I decided to post all the great deals available for stuff like school supplies, toys and clothes.
Giving doesn't have to be expensive! I believe it is important to be a good steward of the finances God gives us - this includes giving back. And it includes spending wisely. Taking advantage of those deals stretches the dollar further. Why spend $3 on a box of crayons when you can spend 25 cents or less? That's 12 boxes of crayons with that same $3! Imagine filling an entire shoe box with the same principle. Instead of one box, you could potentially fill 12.
So I challenge you (if this is a ministry that captures your heart) to decide now how much your family is able to spend on this ministry. Keep in mind there is a $7 donation per box to cover shipping. Once you have a total in mind, figure out how to stretch those dollars the furthest. Make it a goal to fill more than one box if you can. If you want ideas, check out my posts from last year.
If you are ready to get started, here is all the information you need to know:
Where are the shoe box collection sites? (This will be updated in October with a recent list. Check your local church to see if they are involved.)
This week's best deals:
Note: The following list is adapted from SouthernSavers.com. Prices may vary from store to store so always check the ad before you shop. Keep in mind that WalMart and Target will price match with a print version of the competitor's ad.
Prices good through Wednesday, August 1:
Publix
Dixon Pencils, 10 ct., 33¢
Bic Mechanical Pencils, 10 ct., $1
Paper Mate Write Bros Ball Point Pen, 10 ct., 50¢
Crayola Crayons, 24 ct., 33¢
Prices good through Saturday, August 4:
Toys R US
Crayola Crayons 24ct. – 4 for $1
Target
PaperMate Eagle Ballpoint Pens, 10 ct., 94¢ Use Target Coupon -$1 off PaperMate writing instrument
Gold Wood Pencils or Maped Pencil Sharpener, 10 or 12 ct., $1
PaperMate Pink Pearl Erasers, 3 ct., $1
Walgreens
Penway Colored Pencils, 12 pk., 69¢
Wexford Mini Highlighters, 15¢ w/ in-ad coupon
Wexford Pencil or Index Card Case or Index Cards, 100 pk. 3×5 in., 39¢
w/ in-ad coupon
Office Max
Backpack or Messenger Bag (reg. $11.99 - $142.99) only 1¢
after MaxPerks Rewards
Schoolio Classic and Washable Markers, 8-10 pk., 25¢, limit 2
Just Basics Pink Erasers, 5 pk., 25¢, limit 2
Paper Mate Write Bros. Mechanical Pencils, 10 pk., 75¢, limit 3
Staples
Bic Mechanical Pencils, .7 mm 5 pk., 25¢, limit 4
Prang Chalk, assorted colors, 24 pk, 25¢, limit 4
RoseArt Crayons, 24 ct., 50¢ Use RedPlum 7/29 coupon -$1/3 RoseArt products (makes it 17¢ ea.)
RoseArt Colored Pencils, 15 pk., $1 Use RedPlum 7/29 coupon -$1/3 RoseArt products (makes it 67¢ ea.)
Happy Shopping!
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