Hope Box Ministry

We are excited to announce that we are collecting Hope Boxes and supplies for our 2026 mission trip to the Appalachian Mountains. Our prayer is that we will be able to present a Hope Box and share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with at least 15,000 children at over 47 public schools.

1. Start with a 6 quart plastic shoe box

Plastic shoe boxes travel better and the kids can reuse them over and over for things at school and at home. We prefer the Sterilite plastic shoe boxes, we have noticed that the Dollar Tree shoe boxes are breaking in transport.

2. Decide if you want to pack for a boy or girl

3. Choose an age group

Our age groups are categorized by:

Pre k - 2nd (ages 4 - 8)
3rd - 5th (ages 8 - 11)
6th - 12th (ages 11 - 18)

4. Fill the plastic shoe box

Fill the plastic shoe box with school supplies, hygiene items, and toys that are appropriate for the age group. Please see the lists below of what to include and not to include. There is also an idea list that you can print at the bottom of this page!

We ask that each box contain:

A Toothbrush
A Full-Sized Tube of Toothpaste
2 Pairs of Socks
Pencils
2 or more fun items

Please do NOT include: (reasons for each can be found below!)

Candy, Gum, Food or Snacks
Bar Soap
Body Wash , Shampoo, Conditioner
Feminine Hygiene Items
Shaving Cream and Razors
Underwear or Bras
Water Guns (or toys that look like weapons)
Happy Meal Toys
Money or Gift Cards
Washcloths (shower puffs are OK!)
Liquid Glue
Used Items
Liquids such as Bubbles

5. Place a label on your Hope Box

The printable labels can be found at the bottom of this page. They can be printed on regular paper and taped to the top of the box.

6. Pray!

You can pray over the child that will be receiving the box as well as the missionary delivering the box.

7. Drop off your Hope Box

You can drop off your Hope Box at any of the locations in the link below!

HFA Drop Off Locations

DEADLINE FOR SPRING 2026

March 1st, 2026

We collect these year round, however, if you would like them to go on the next mission trip, we need them by March 1st, 2026. Otherwise, they will go on the next mission trip!

Helpful Tips:

The preferred shoe box is a 6 quart plastic Sterilite box. These can be found at most big box stores and are cheaper than the Dollar Store version. They seem to hold up better in transport too!
Placing a big rubber band around your Hope Box will ensure the lid does not come off during transport, and is super helpful to the HFA teams!
Make sure your box is full!
Feel free to include a personal letter in your box or decorate the inside lid! Personalization is a great way to spread God's Love.

Packaging Hope Boxes for Transport & Delivery

If you are making Hope Boxes for a school or more than 15 Hope Boxes, it is VERY helpful to us to have them packaged and labeled in LARGE LOWES moving boxes. This is not mandatory, but would be great!

Tips:

15 Hope Boxes fit in each Large Lowes Box.
Label the side and top of the Lowes Box with how many of what box are in each. (Example: "15 PK - 2nd Boy Boxes" or "6: 3rd-5th Girl Boxes and 11: 6th-12th Girl Boxes").
If you are making Hope Boxes for a school, please also put the name of the school on the outside of the box.
If you are not making them for a school, put your name on the Lowes Box too, so we can thank you properly!
Link for boxes: Lowes Large Moving Boxes (standard duty, $2.48 each)