Are you looking to make a bigger impact with your Christmas shoeboxes this year? Host a packing party! Christmas shoebox packing parties are a great way to involve your community in sending meaningful gifts to kids around the world. Here are our top tips and questions to ask yourself before hosting a shoebox packing party.

CONSIDER HOW MANY CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES YOU WANT TO PACK DURING YOUR PARTY

Is your goal to pack as many boxes as possible or to have a meaningful night with friends where you can share your passion? Both intentions are great but have different planning considerations. For example, a small packing party among friends can likely be hosted in your home, whereas large events often need to be held in rented spaces such as church gymnasiums. 

BE SURE TO HAVE ENOUGH TABLES AND SUPPLIES FOR THE PARTY 

Aside from the shoeboxes and filler items (which we talk more about below), be sure to have other supplies available that are needed for a successful packing party. 

• Tables to display everything. 
• Paper and writing utensils so your guests can leave notes in their boxes (optional).
• Labels to identify which age group and gender the box is intended for.
• Signs to indicate if certain areas or tables in the room are specific to a category, like having all of your “wow” items on two tables to choose from. 

DETERMINE HOW YOU WILL COLLECT EVERYTHING NEEDED

Packing parties can be expensive for one individual to host, especially if you’re trying to fill as many shoeboxes as possible.

There are several methods you can use to collect needed items for your shoeboxes. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

• Ask your guests to donate a set dollar amount, which you can use to buy everything needed ahead of the big day.
• Assign each guest specific items to bring. For example, if you know that your neighbor loves to knit socks, see if she’s open to bringing a pair for each box!
• Give each guest a unique category that they can fill as they like. For example, ask your sister to bring enough personal hygiene items to fill 20 girls’ boxes and then ask your aunt to bring enough to fill 20 boys’ boxes. 
• See if it’s possible to fundraise for specific items ahead of time. For example, Because International offers free fundraising pages for individuals who want to pack The Shoe That Grows, and other nonprofits may offer similar options for their products. 

No matter which route you take, keep in mind that purchasing items in large quantities often makes them more affordable.

HAVE A LIST OF RECOMMENDED ITEMS FOR GUESTS WHO MAY BE UNSURE WHAT TO BRING 

You may be inviting a few people who have never heard of Christmas shoeboxes before, spreading the word about the program! If you do, it’s likely that they won’t know where to get started or what to bring. Have a resource ready that explains what Christmas shoeboxes are and examples of items to include. You may also want to be ready to share why you’re personally passionate about the mission.

PREP EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE 

If you or someone else is bringing pre-printed cardboard boxes, either fold them in advance or prepare an area to do this as a group before you begin packing. If you’re planning to use upcycled shoeboxes to lower overall cost, set up a table for your guests to wrap them with Christmas paper during the party!

Whether you’re gathering filler items yourself or having your community help, be sure to have everything out of the packages and separated before the event. This will make it easier to get going once everyone has arrived. 

HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE FOR TRANSPORTING COMPLETED BOXES TO A COLLECTION SITE 

What is your plan for ensuring all of your wonderful boxes make it to a collection site? If you pack a lot of boxes, you may need the support of others to fill up several cars! 

Including your friends and family in a Christmas shoebox packing party can help make a bigger impact for kids around the world who will receive your boxes. With some thoughtful planning, your party is bound to be a success!

Through Because International, thousands of people choose to include The Shoe That Grows as their Christmas shoebox “wow” item each year. For just $20, you can provide a child with a gift that keeps giving—for five sizes, to be exact! Purchase The Shoe That Grows for your Christmas shoebox below or start a free fundraising page to raise support for pairs here.