Denise, thank you so much for all of your videos. I'm new to this ministry; 2 weeks knowing of it. I have 4 boxes that follow all the "no can put" rules, that are packed out fully and slightly bulging. My boxes are packed with specifics in mind per gender and age group. I.e., my 10-14 girl box is set up for menstruation because I learned that girls can't go to school while menstruating without having necessary products. I have a reusable Flex cup in that box, as well as reusable pads, and panties as there's a learning curve to Flex, and as a woman you and I both know we wouldn't want to leak through. That's just one example, but I'm stressing that processors might remove parts of my boxes because they might not be able to get everything back in. In addition, I've watched loads of videos AFTER I shopped, and it seems I've chosen the strangest "normal" things. My brain said "get items that will last at least 2 years in harsh environments", and that's what I did. I've included collapsible, solar and USB charged, waterproof, inflatable lights, and collapsible, silicon water bottles, for each child. Each box gets school supplies (12 sharpened pencils, 2-4 ink pens, erasers, pencil sharpener, notebook, scissors, Casio solar calculator, ruler, and 8ct color pencils), a really durable backpack with several pockets, lip balm, washcloth, squishy/plushy, emergency whistle, wooden comb, 2 types of fidget gadgets, emergency blanket, 2 tooth brushes, cutlery, nail clippers and file, and some type of musical instrument. After that, my boxes were more tailored by gender and age. Stunning little tiara for my 5-9 girl, nice soccer balls, high quality pumps with 5 needles and a full soccer outfit( jersey, shorts, socks) for my two 10-14 boys, and the most beautiful kalimba I've ever seen for my 10-14 girl. I included many other nice things for each box, but I'm thinking this post is getting too long. Denise, please reassure me that the processors won't disassemble and redistribute the contents of my boxes!
Wow! Your boxes sound amazing! Your items will not be removed. We can usually get everything back in! No worries! Bless you and your boxes! They will surely bring joy to the children that receive them! Thank you for packing and watching my channel! 🥰
You have some great tips about working at a PC especially to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated! All of your table coaches that are volunteers have to be year round volunteers for OCC so they should be pretty well versed in everything OCC. Coaches are also made up of seasonal employees so they may still be learning. I appreciate you encouraging kindness to all the coaches and for all your great tips!
Thanks Christy! Drinking a lot of water is a great tip! Yes, it is so important to be kind to everyone there. Everyone is just doing their best! Are you a line coach this year? Bless your hard work Christy. I can’t wait to go! Working 9 shifts if my hip will allow it. 😂
Yes ma’am, I am in Dallas. This is my 3rd year as a coach and I love it! Most of the time. The rest of the year I’m a community relations coordinator with OCC. Another tip I would give is don’t lock out your knees. I’ve had a couple of people get pretty close to passing out that way. I’m a little concerned with how much longer my hip will last with doing this. Hopefully a few more. I’m only doing one week as I’ve gone back into teaching. I just couldn’t resist doing at least one week. Have a wonderful end of packing season. I enjoy your videos so much!
Hello! Great video! I’m a team coach for OCC in Atlanta. So exciting! My biggest thing is when volunteers try to take out items that don’t seem gender related. We have seen a dress in a boys box. God knows why and who it’s going to. The boy who received it had wanted a dress for his sister. Leave the boxes in their integrity unless it’s an inappropriate
Hi Coach! Thanks for that! There are definitely many opinions at the PC. Bless you for being a team coach! It’s a hard job sometimes! Have a wonderful time and I pray you will get great team members to help your table process! I’ll be working 9 shifts in Baltimore! 🩷
I'm so glad you made this video! I cannot wait to go to the processing center someday and I'm so grateful you shared your knowledge with us. I know I will definitely have to refer back to this when I get the opportunity to go one year!
❤Thank you so much for the info. We go to Charlotte on the 30th from 1pm to 5pm.I am so glad I found you!!! God bless!!! Merry Christmas and Happy Packing ❤
I appreciate your suggestion to bring hand lotion or hand cream. Every time I have volunteered, my hands get dry and dirty from handling so much cardboard, and using hand cream really helps.
Look at all the shoeboxes and filler in the background! Thanks for the tips. I wish I can volunteer everyday! Yes to comfortable shoes! I agree about dressing up in layers. We always bring a cooler with cold canned drinks for our breaks. Argh, it is sad when you meet people with personal opinions on what is allowed. When they should be following OCC policy. And yes, sometimes I do have more experience than the line volunteers. Great informative video, Denise! I hope we are able to volunteer together this year!
Thanks! I’m planning to help process. My second time to go to Charlotte. This is my first year to go to Atlanta. You are right about shoes. I also want to wear a nail belt with tissues because I needed them last time! Wonderful memories!
Tissues are an excellent idea! I needed them one year after hearing a recipient speak during one of our breaks! I was so moved! Have a wonderful time Cecilia! 🩷
Denise, thank you so much for the great tips on what to expect at the processing center. I will be volunteering at the West Coast processing center for the first time so your video helps me feel more prepared. Just purchased a festive headband and jingle bell necklace to wear along with layers and comfy tennies. Also, thank you for all your wonderful shoebox and filler items videos. You have inspired me to pack filler items for the first time as well. I am having so much fun creating them and I hope they will bless lots of children!
You will love being at your processing center Darlene! I’m so glad the videos help! And so happy to hear you are packing filler for the first time! It will be such a blessing! Have fun at the PC! Your festive wear will be a hit! 🎄😊🥰
I would also like to add that if you’re looking for certain items to fill the boxes as you’re processing to not be discouraged if your baskets don’t have what you’re looking for . Sometimes the people filling the baskets are not able to look for specific items. Sometimes there are only so many of the filler items and they run out and there are tons o the same fillers that people get tired of seeing (if you volunteer more than once.) It can be a little frustrating on both sides, but praying about using the right fillers for the boxes help. 😊
Yes, I agree with everything you have said. I have worked the filler area several times and it’s hard on both ends. Prayers are definitely needed. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Thank you! This was a fabulous video! I enjoyed it even though I don't have a processing center anywhere near me. I would love to do it, but would need to turn it into some sort of vacation trip. But this was a fantastic idea for a video. Thank you Denise!
Oh I’m lousy at taping too. One year I really did a number on my hand! Blood was everywhere!😮 I am more careful now but it also kills my hands after doing it for awhile! Glad you loved it! I can’t wait to go this year! ❤️
Great info. Thank you for all the tips and ideas since your first video. I have implemented quite a few for my own shoeboxes. Looks like your recuperation is going well.
Thanks Maritza! Oh my recovery…. Good one day… bad the next. PT kills me. I’m praying I can work all my shifts at the PC! But in general… yes… I am doing pretty good and can shop again!!! Woo hoo!
Love your advice but unfortunately I’m not able to stand for very long at all. I use a cane for short distances and a seated walker for extended walks or standing in line. I did hear you mention seated jobs, but sounds like folks rotate. I have thought about volunteering, but know as I am limited on mobility, having watched videos of the processing centers, I would not be able to do the work. 😭 But I can pray for those who are at the processing centers! ❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
Thank you for the prayers Karen. They do have seated jobs available and you can stay with that job if need be. Just a thought. Maybe you could try a short 3 hour shift and request seated only. Bless you for packing! ❤️
I love the hand print on the inside of the lid, so sweet! Can you sign up for just one shift? I'm looking it up, I may be within an hour or so of Orange County depending where it is. I don't know that I could go multiple times though. I'm on my feet all day at work so that part wont bother me. There is filler for the sparse boxes right? Is there just not enough, is that why it's sad?
Yes, you can sign up for just one shift. You will love it if you can go! Yes, it can be sad to see empty boxes and not enough of the right filler to make it nice. 💔
I thought about bringing a stool this year too because of my surgery but I think I’ll be ok. It’s a great idea! I’ve filmed at all times at the PC! Before, during and after! Hope that helps! Have fun Jill! ❤️
@ I wonder if they are there some of the time but just not the two times I have been there? Or maybe the city of Aurora doesn’t have a Chic Fil A they can cater from. That would be strange though because it is just outside of Chicago and is a pretty big city. Oh well, I will go prepared with my own snack 😁.
We were told when we went to process for BASBO in January of this year that Aurora doesn’t have CFA. They do allow you to bring lunch boxes and there are places to eat just a few blocks away.
That is not accurate. OCC boxes are not used for anything other than the OCC mission. (I know you asked this of Denise. I just could not wait for her to answer. This is a rumor that is simply wrong. Rest assured that your OCC gifts will go to help spread the Gospel in the country in which they were intended. ) Blessings!
Hi Anne. I doubt that is true. The shoeboxes are mission based and meant to spread the Gospel rather than provide aid and comfort. You could send an email to occinfo@samaritan.org and ask them for a definitive answer though. Hope that helps!
I think Samaritan's Purse may do disaster relief/aid as well as the shoebox ministry. Maybe that's what she heard about. I think I saw something about that but I had already donated to Convoy of Hope.
Hi Denise, Thanks for sharing your Pro-Tips. Here in AU, we are heading into Summer. After working outdoors at a drop-off location, I realised sunscreen was a must. As for the general PC Experience, I would encourage seeking opportunities to rotate to different jobs/activities. I have found this helped me learn more about the importance of processing. And provided some much needed relief from standing at a processing table.🫠
Oh wow… I forget that you are in your summer season! Such a difference! Yes, I totally agree about changing jobs! Some people though are a bit stubborn about this only wanting to do one job. I find it educated me to do any and all the jobs! My most interesting job was “Inappropriates”. I was quite surprised at the items that were incorrectly pulled. An eye opener!!!
Denise, thank you so much for all of your videos. I'm new to this ministry; 2 weeks knowing of it. I have 4 boxes that follow all the "no can put" rules, that are packed out fully and slightly bulging. My boxes are packed with specifics in mind per gender and age group. I.e., my 10-14 girl box is set up for menstruation because I learned that girls can't go to school while menstruating without having necessary products. I have a reusable Flex cup in that box, as well as reusable pads, and panties as there's a learning curve to Flex, and as a woman you and I both know we wouldn't want to leak through. That's just one example, but I'm stressing that processors might remove parts of my boxes because they might not be able to get everything back in.
In addition, I've watched loads of videos AFTER I shopped, and it seems I've chosen the strangest "normal" things. My brain said "get items that will last at least 2 years in harsh environments", and that's what I did. I've included collapsible, solar and USB charged, waterproof, inflatable lights, and collapsible, silicon water bottles, for each child. Each box gets school supplies (12 sharpened pencils, 2-4 ink pens, erasers, pencil sharpener, notebook, scissors, Casio solar calculator, ruler, and 8ct color pencils), a really durable backpack with several pockets, lip balm, washcloth, squishy/plushy, emergency whistle, wooden comb, 2 types of fidget gadgets, emergency blanket, 2 tooth brushes, cutlery, nail clippers and file, and some type of musical instrument. After that, my boxes were more tailored by gender and age.
Stunning little tiara for my 5-9 girl, nice soccer balls, high quality pumps with 5 needles and a full soccer outfit( jersey, shorts, socks) for my two 10-14 boys, and the most beautiful kalimba I've ever seen for my 10-14 girl.
I included many other nice things for each box, but I'm thinking this post is getting too long. Denise, please reassure me that the processors won't disassemble and redistribute the contents of my boxes!
Wow! Your boxes sound amazing! Your items will not be removed. We can usually get everything back in! No worries! Bless you and your boxes! They will surely bring joy to the children that receive them! Thank you for packing and watching my channel! 🥰
@drogers Ok, good! I'm very glad to hear that! Bless you for all you do for this ministry!
You have some great tips about working at a PC especially to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated! All of your table coaches that are volunteers have to be year round volunteers for OCC so they should be pretty well versed in everything OCC. Coaches are also made up of seasonal employees so they may still be learning. I appreciate you encouraging kindness to all the coaches and for all your great tips!
Thanks Christy! Drinking a lot of water is a great tip! Yes, it is so important to be kind to everyone there. Everyone is just doing their best! Are you a line coach this year? Bless your hard work Christy. I can’t wait to go! Working 9 shifts if my hip will allow it. 😂
Yes ma’am, I am in Dallas. This is my 3rd year as a coach and I love it! Most of the time. The rest of the year I’m a community relations coordinator with OCC. Another tip I would give is don’t lock out your knees. I’ve had a couple of people get pretty close to passing out that way. I’m a little concerned with how much longer my hip will last with doing this. Hopefully a few more. I’m only doing one week as I’ve gone back into teaching. I just couldn’t resist doing at least one week. Have a wonderful end of packing season. I enjoy your videos so much!
Hello! Great video! I’m a team coach for OCC in Atlanta. So exciting! My biggest thing is when volunteers try to take out items that don’t seem gender related. We have seen a dress in a boys box. God knows why and who it’s going to. The boy who received it had wanted a dress for his sister. Leave the boxes in their integrity unless it’s an inappropriate
Hi Coach! Thanks for that! There are definitely many opinions at the PC. Bless you for being a team coach! It’s a hard job sometimes! Have a wonderful time and I pray you will get great team members to help your table process! I’ll be working 9 shifts in Baltimore! 🩷
I'm so glad you made this video! I cannot wait to go to the processing center someday and I'm so grateful you shared your knowledge with us. I know I will definitely have to refer back to this when I get the opportunity to go one year!
You definitely need to go! You will love it and it helps you get the full picture! 👍🏻
❤Thank you so much for the info. We go to Charlotte on the 30th from 1pm to 5pm.I am so glad I found you!!! God bless!!! Merry Christmas and Happy Packing ❤
Have fun! You will really enjoy it! Let me know how it goes! I’m glad you found me too!🥰
I appreciate your suggestion to bring hand lotion or hand cream. Every time I have volunteered, my hands get dry and dirty from handling so much cardboard, and using hand cream really helps.
You are so right!!!! My hands get torn up a bit too! A lot of digging and taping and moving cardboard! 😊
Look at all the shoeboxes and filler in the background! Thanks for the tips. I wish I can volunteer everyday! Yes to comfortable shoes! I agree about dressing up in layers. We always bring a cooler with cold canned drinks for our breaks. Argh, it is sad when you meet people with personal opinions on what is allowed. When they should be following OCC policy. And yes, sometimes I do have more experience than the line volunteers. Great informative video, Denise! I hope we are able to volunteer together this year!
Oh we’ve had some interesting shifts haven’t we? It takes some patience sometimes. I definitely hope we can work together!!!
Thanx for all that you do Denise!! I will be dropping off my boxes next week in SC & am working on some filler items.😮
Wonderful! I’m excited to drop mine off this week! My house will be empty without them though! 😂
Thanks!
I’m planning to help process.
My second time to go to Charlotte.
This is my first year to go to Atlanta.
You are right about shoes.
I also want to wear a nail belt with tissues because I needed them last time!
Wonderful memories!
Tissues are an excellent idea! I needed them one year after hearing a recipient speak during one of our breaks! I was so moved! Have a wonderful time Cecilia! 🩷
Denise, thank you so much for the great tips on what to expect at the processing center. I will be volunteering at the West Coast processing center for the first time so your video helps me feel more prepared. Just purchased a festive headband and jingle bell necklace to wear along with layers and comfy tennies. Also, thank you for all your wonderful shoebox and filler items videos. You have inspired me to pack filler items for the first time as well. I am having so much fun creating them and I hope they will bless lots of children!
You will love being at your processing center Darlene! I’m so glad the videos help! And so happy to hear you are packing filler for the first time! It will be such a blessing! Have fun at the PC! Your festive wear will be a hit! 🎄😊🥰
Thank you, Denise. Great info. I loved the pics of all the fine folks helping to get these boxes to the children. ❤ Thanks for all you do. 🤗
You are so welcome!🤗
I would also like to add that if you’re looking for certain items to fill the boxes as you’re processing to not be discouraged if your baskets don’t have what you’re looking for . Sometimes the people filling the baskets are not able to look for specific items. Sometimes there are only so many of the filler items and they run out and there are tons o the same fillers that people get tired of seeing (if you volunteer more than once.) It can be a little frustrating on both sides, but praying about using the right fillers for the boxes help. 😊
Yes, I agree with everything you have said. I have worked the filler area several times and it’s hard on both ends. Prayers are definitely needed. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Thank you! This was a fabulous video! I enjoyed it even though I don't have a processing center anywhere near me. I would love to do it, but would need to turn it into some sort of vacation trip. But this was a fantastic idea for a video. Thank you Denise!
Thank you Trina! 🩷
Great tips, thanks! Last year was my first time and I loved it. Inspecting was my favorite task; I'm lousy at taping. 😂
Oh I’m lousy at taping too. One year I really did a number on my hand! Blood was everywhere!😮 I am more careful now but it also kills my hands after doing it for awhile! Glad you loved it! I can’t wait to go this year! ❤️
Great info. Thank you for all the tips and ideas since your first video. I have implemented quite a few for
my own shoeboxes. Looks like your recuperation is going well.
Thanks Maritza! Oh my recovery…. Good one day… bad the next. PT kills me. I’m praying I can work all my shifts at the PC! But in general… yes… I am doing pretty good and can shop again!!! Woo hoo!
Love your advice but unfortunately I’m not able to stand for very long at all. I use a cane for short distances and a seated walker for extended walks or standing in line. I did hear you mention seated jobs, but sounds like folks rotate. I have thought about volunteering, but know as I am limited on mobility, having watched videos of the processing centers, I would not be able to do the work. 😭 But I can pray for those who are at the processing centers! ❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
Thank you for the prayers Karen. They do have seated jobs available and you can stay with that job if need be. Just a thought. Maybe you could try a short 3 hour shift and request seated only. Bless you for packing! ❤️
@ thank you! I’ll be thinking about that for next year!
I love the hand print on the inside of the lid, so sweet! Can you sign up for just one shift? I'm looking it up, I may be within an hour or so of Orange County depending where it is. I don't know that I could go multiple times though. I'm on my feet all day at work so that part wont bother me. There is filler for the sparse boxes right? Is there just not enough, is that why it's sad?
Yes, you can sign up for just one shift. You will love it if you can go! Yes, it can be sad to see empty boxes and not enough of the right filler to make it nice. 💔
No Chick-fil-a at Aurora :(
Yes, I heard. I wonder why? 😢
@ I live in MO but our group is headed to Texas this year. Excited to try a different place!
@kadiebopp8268 oh fun!!! Enjoy every minute of it and take group pics! ❤️
I’m bringing a foldable stool this time. When is a good time to make a video at the processing center before or after working a shift?
I thought about bringing a stool this year too because of my surgery but I think I’ll be ok. It’s a great idea! I’ve filmed at all times at the PC! Before, during and after! Hope that helps! Have fun Jill! ❤️
@ it does help. Thank you.
I have not seen Chic Fil A at Aurora in last two years - take a snack or lunch or money for vending machine 💵
Good to know! I thought they were at every location!
@ I wonder if they are there some of the time but just not the two times I have been there? Or maybe the city of Aurora doesn’t have a Chic Fil A they can cater from. That would be strange though because it is just outside of Chicago and is a pretty big city. Oh well, I will go prepared with my own snack 😁.
We were told when we went to process for BASBO in January of this year that Aurora doesn’t have CFA. They do allow you to bring lunch boxes and there are places to eat just a few blocks away.
Oh Denise, is it true that some shoeboxes will be given to the hurricane victims in NC? My sister told me that a few days ago.😊
That is not accurate. OCC boxes are not used for anything other than the OCC mission. (I know you asked this of Denise. I just could not wait for her to answer. This is a rumor that is simply wrong. Rest assured that your OCC gifts will go to help spread the Gospel in the country in which they were intended. ) Blessings!
Hi Anne. I doubt that is true. The shoeboxes are mission based and meant to spread the Gospel rather than provide aid and comfort. You could send an email to occinfo@samaritan.org and ask them for a definitive answer though. Hope that helps!
I think Samaritan's Purse may do disaster relief/aid as well as the shoebox ministry. Maybe that's what she heard about. I think I saw something about that but I had already donated to Convoy of Hope.
Hi Denise, Thanks for sharing your Pro-Tips. Here in AU, we are heading into Summer. After working outdoors at a drop-off location, I realised sunscreen was a must.
As for the general PC Experience, I would encourage seeking opportunities to rotate to different jobs/activities. I have found this helped me learn more about the importance of processing. And provided some much needed relief from standing at a processing table.🫠
Oh wow… I forget that you are in your summer season! Such a difference!
Yes, I totally agree about changing jobs! Some people though are a bit stubborn about this only wanting to do one job. I find it educated me to do any and all the jobs! My most interesting job was “Inappropriates”. I was quite surprised at the items that were incorrectly pulled. An eye opener!!!
@drogers On my list of inappropriates this year was Pot-pourri. Bless the shoebox packer who packed stale Pot-pourri into each of their three boxes!