ADZU Centennial Operation Shoebox: 2012 and Beyond Primer WHAT IS OPERATION SHOEBOX?

The Operation Shoebox is a project that gives you the opportunity to reach out to indigent students from poor communities. HOW? The idea is for you to adopt an indigent child by preparing a shoebox and stuffing it with school supplies. Brief background: Operation Shoebox began in July 2007 as initiated by Dorothy Joann Lei Labrador and Jhissa Lae de Leon, both fourth year Education students at that time. They were inspired by the story of their teacher about a boy who skipped classes to work in the market for him to buy school supplies. The first Operation Shoebox garnered 155 shoeboxes filled with school supplies for indigent pupils of Mampang Elementary School. This was initiated through the Education Academic Organization (EAO). Since its first operation in September 2007, Operation Shoebox has given a total of more than 7,000 shoeboxes to indigent children in different barangays in Zamboanga City, Basilan, Kidapawan City, Maguindanao Province, Ifugao Province, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City through the efforts of volunteers mainly coming from educational institutions. What to put in the shoebox: at least 5 notebooks, at least 3 pencils, a box of crayons, sharpener, ruler, eraser, a LETTER of Encouragement, and OTHER ITEMS.

OTHER ITEMS: The donors may also opt to add other personal gifts that are unisex to be included in the shoebox such as bags, coloring and activity books, lunchboxes, pencil cases, ID slings, socks, handkerchiefs, towels, accessories, and other things that can be used in school and aid them in learning. However, we strongly discourage giving second-hand things that are NOT decent and presentable, and cannot anymore be used. LETTER of Encouragement: The donors should also write a letter of encouragement to the child, regardless of whoever will receive their shoeboxes. This adds personal touch on the part of the giver and inspiration on the part of the recipient as they will feel important and special through the gifts and letter. EACH SHOEBOX MUST BE GIFTWRAPPED. To make the experience more meaningful, the boxes should be wrapped in colorful gift wrappers. This makes the project more of a gift than a donation. Also, children are fond and excited to receive colorful boxes. The gift-wrapping also is an application of the element of surprise; thus, makes the recipients experience more joyful. This and the letter from givers are what separate the Operation Shoebox from other outreach projects. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OperationShoe boxPhilippines

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