Choosing a Box

In-country volunteers have written many an essay on tips and tricks for shoe box items. But one common theme is the boxes themselves.

Samaritan's Purse offers low-cost, branded boxes, through their website. And many first timers choose to use them. However, they are rather flimsy and don't hold up well throughout the shipping process.

Of course, cardboard shoe boxes are an obvious choice. They tend to hold up well enough. Especially if they are the 'hinged' sort, made of thicker cardboard. But they deteriorate quickly after delivery.

Because the box can be part of the gift, a sturdier plastic box is the best possible option. Then the children will have a storage container, in addition to the contents thereof. That being said, the inexpensive (typically around $1) Sterilite boxes have been found wanting in their durability; often breaking long before delivery.