Hobby Lobby, known for its extensive arts and crafts supplies, and Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a Samaritan's Purse project delivering shoeboxes filled with gifts to children worldwide, have a significant, albeit indirect, relationship. While Hobby Lobby doesn't directly participate in OCC's shoebox program in the same way some organizations do (like providing pre-filled boxes), their stores play a vital role for those who do participate.
How Hobby Lobby Supports Operation Christmas Child
Hobby Lobby stores serve as a convenient resource for individuals and groups preparing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Many people find the wide variety of affordable craft supplies, small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies at Hobby Lobby ideal for filling their boxes. The ease of access to these items in one location makes it a popular choice for those assembling shoeboxes. Essentially, Hobby Lobby facilitates the preparation process by providing a readily available source of materials.
What items are good for OCC shoeboxes from Hobby Lobby?
This is a key question for many preparing OCC shoeboxes. Hobby Lobby offers a plethora of items suitable for inclusion. Here are a few examples:
- Small Toys: Hobby Lobby often stocks a range of small, inexpensive toys perfectly sized for shoeboxes. Think small cars, dolls, stuffed animals, yo-yos, or jump ropes.
- School Supplies: Notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, and other school supplies are always welcome and greatly appreciated by children. Hobby Lobby's extensive stationery section is a great resource for this.
- Hygiene Items: Small bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste (travel-sized), combs, and washcloths are essential hygiene items often included in shoeboxes. Check Hobby Lobby's health and beauty section for suitable options.
- Craft Supplies: Crayons, coloring books, stickers, small notebooks, and other craft supplies provide hours of entertainment and creative expression. Hobby Lobby’s extensive selection makes it a prime location for sourcing these items.
Does Hobby Lobby donate to Operation Christmas Child?
There's no publicly available information confirming direct financial donations from Hobby Lobby to Operation Christmas Child. However, their stores indirectly support the initiative by providing a convenient source of materials for those packing shoeboxes. The impact of this indirect support is significant, as it streamlines the process for many participants.
Where can I find Operation Christmas Child drop-off locations?
To find the nearest drop-off location for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, you should visit the official Operation Christmas Child website. They have an interactive map tool that allows you to locate nearby drop-off locations based on your address. This is the most reliable source for finding the closest drop-off point for your filled shoebox.
What are the guidelines for packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes?
The Operation Christmas Child website offers detailed guidelines and packing lists for assembling shoeboxes. It's crucial to refer to their official guidelines before packing to ensure your box meets their requirements and regulations.
When is the Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week?
The National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child varies from year to year. To find the exact dates for your region, consult the official Operation Christmas Child website. The website will always have the most up-to-date information on collection weeks.
In conclusion, while Hobby Lobby doesn't directly partner with Operation Christmas Child in a formal capacity, its stores serve as a readily accessible and popular resource for individuals and groups preparing shoeboxes, significantly contributing to the success of this humanitarian effort. Remember to always consult the official OCC website for the most current information and guidelines.
