Can a shoebox be a Frugal Christmas?

Yes it can. Have you heard about the Christmas Shoebox program from Samaritan's Purse? It's where you get a shoebox and a pamphlet (they are available at your office, school, church, community centre or mall) and pick an age and a gender and fill the box with all kinds of surprises for children in war torn, poverty stricken, or disaster areas and Samaritan's Purse sends it to these children for Christmas.

I remember first hearing about it when I was a teenager and we have been doing it off and on since then. This year we did two, one for a boy and a girl. As a family night last night we headed out to Dollarama and purchased, toys, colouring supplies, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, hair clips and treats for these little children. Our children were wanting to just keep giving more and wondered why it couldn't be a bigger box that we send to them filled with more things.

Since Christmas is all about our Saviour's birth and a celebration of Him coming here, why not do something with your family, or by yourself to truly celebrate His birth, whatever denomination you are, or if you are none, please get involved. This week is the gathering week for the boxes so please go out and get it done tonight.

Just to give you a touch of what they do and who they help watch this video and visit their site. For the two boxes that we did, with the $7 they ask you to donate for shipping of each box, our total came to $45. That's only $22.50 a child. Less than a meal out or a movie for two people. And a child is absolutely thrilled. Totally worth it.

Enjoy your day!