Pack a Hope Box

We are excited to announce that we are collecting Hope Boxes and supplies for our 2022 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 22,000 children at over 60 public schools.

1. Start with a 6 quart plastic Sterilite 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:

CANDY, FOOD or SNACKS - new for 2021
Bar Soap (everything in the box ends up smelling like the soap!)
Feminine hygiene items
Water Guns or toys that look like weapons
Happy Meal toys
Money or gift cards
Washcloths (shower puffs are OK!)
Liquids such as body wash or bubbles UNLESS the lid is taped and placed in a Ziploc bag.

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 our location in Culpeper, Virginia, or you can drop it off with one of our Church & Ministry Partners.

Church & Ministry Partners

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!
If you include body wash or bubbles, please place tape over the lid AND put those items in Ziploc bags in case they leak.
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.