Boxes of HOPE

The WHY?:

The concept of Boxes of Hope was created after the devastation of several tornadoes hit Alabama. Since starting the project of www.Kids4AL.com in May 2011, more than 1700 boxes have been collected and distributed.

Kids4MO wants to help kids impact kids who have been affected by the recent tornado in Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011. The devestation has been horrific, but Boxes of Hope can be an opportunity to share God’s love and the Hope that He is to kids and families.

The HOW?:

You can check out our Guide for Parents here or just read below:

Gather clear plastic size shoeboxes (ones with Lids please! Available at the Dollar Store) and fill each box with a few of the following:

Personal note or drawing with child’s name and age.
A scripture verse of hope and encouragement.
Children’s toiletry items- A fun toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, and soap.
Include a pen (or pencil) and crayons and a note book in each box. Drawing and writing are the best ways to help children process what they are thinking and feeling.
Fill the box full of fun activities for the child and also include a few group activities. Ideas:

coloring books
stickers
eraser,  pencil sharpener,  markers
notebook,  journal,  sticky notes
flash cards,  handheld games
puzzles
activity books
children’s books
animal play figures
jewelry
mini lego set
fun bands
cars,  hot wheels
miniature board game
ball,  beach ball, nerf ball
dolls
flashlight
stuffed animal
yo-yo
jump rope
devotional, and Bible.
**Please do not pack glass, liquid, or candy in the boxes.**

How To Label Boxes?:

Label each box on both ends of the shoe box in large print with one of the following symbols. (A piece of masking tape works great and then write on big and bold!)

*GY (Girl age 3-5) *GO (Girl age 6-11) *BY (Boy age 3-5) *BO (Boy age 6-11)

(Please make sure all boxes are labeled correctly on both ends. This will help greatly with sorting!)

The WHERE?:

If your church is participating, please drop your box with them by their deadline.

Our central location for all shoe boxes in St.LOUIS is to be delivered, by each participating church or group or individual, on June 27th at:

First Baptist Church Ellisville- 137 Clarkson Road Ellisville, MO 63011

If you are a group or individual outside of the state of Missouri and would like to send shoe boxes to Joplin, please email Kids4MO@gmail.com and we will work with you to make arrangements.

Questions on drop off sites or anything else? Please contact Kids4MO@gmail.com

The WHEN?:

For St.Louis Churches, Groups, Organizations and Individuals participating: Boxes are due on:

Monday, June 27

(between the hours of 9am-3pm)

to our Central Distribution location at

First Baptist Church Ellisville- 137 Clarkson Road Ellisville, MO 63011

It is the churches or group responsibility to have the boxes transported

(Please make sure all boxes are labeled correctly on both ends. This will help greatly with sorting!)

If you have pictures of your children creating “Boxes of Hope” we would love for you to share them through email or on our Facebook wall as well!

For Out Of State Folks: The Boxes need to be mailed directly to our Distribution Center in Joplin by June 30th, arriving no later than July 5th, to the address below: