November 2012 Playdate & Service Project

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Join us for the next DMMB playdate!

Friday, November 16th: 9-11am

Meet us at the Bearth Studio in Beaverdale (2614 Beaver Ave) for a fun morning.

Not only will you have the chance to meet new mamas & kiddos, you’ll help out another child across the globe.  We’ll be assembling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child collects shoe boxes from all over the U.S. and distributes them to children in countries all over the world. A simple shoe box filled with toys, candies, and personal items can make a huge impact in the life of a child.

This project is an amazing way to show our children how blessed we are and how sharing just a few things can make a huge difference in someone else’s life. Kids love picking out gifts to put inside and take great interest in making it perfect for a boy or girl similar to their own age.  Many families track their boxes online to see where it is in the delivery process.  It’s a great project to involve the whole family, neighbors, playgroups and more.

What You Need to Bring to the Playdate:

Decide on how many shoe boxes you’ll assemble, and determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

Please plan to bring your own gift items and your own shoe boxes (regular cardboard or plastic/rubbermaid type).  We’ll have labels for you.

We’ll have a craft area for the kids to decorate cards and wrapping paper. We’ll have paper, crayons, markers and stickers.  If you have other special art supplies to share, please feel free to bring them along.

The suggested donation amount for each box is $7, so please bring that with you if you are able to help with shipping costs.  If you prefer, you can donate directly online via credit/debit card.

FAQ #1: How do we pack a shoe box?

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

FAQ #2: Where does the box go after that morning?

Our team will take all the boxes packed that morning to the central collection center here in Des Moines.  From there, the boxes are counted and taken to distribution centers here in the U.S.. From there, they begin their journey overseas.

FAQ #3:  What if I want to participate but can’t join you that morning?

We’ll be sad we missed the chance to meet you but hope you’ll pack some boxes anyway! Prepare your boxes and drop them off at an area collection center anytime during the week of November 12-19.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Have questions about this event?  Contact Sarah at DesMoinesMomsBlog.com or Bekah at DesMoinesMomsBlog.com.

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