Shoebox Gifts for Acuña
Every year, Bear Valley shares the love of Jesus and the joy of Christmas with children in need in Acuña, Mexico. We partner with churches in the area to provide gifts for children at local orphanages. You can learn more about our church partners inside this brochure.
We would love for you to provide a shoebox gift for one or more children in Acuña. In this brochure, you’ll find gift suggestions and instructions for packing your box. This is a great family activity!
Bring your gift to the collection area in the Commons by Sunday, December 8. Be sure to detach the front page of this brochure and fill out the tag on the back of this page with age and gender info.
How to Pack Your Box
1. Shoebox: Get a shoebox for a girl or boy. Use an empty cardboard shoebox or plastic container. You can wrap the box and lid separately if you prefer.
2. Include a “Wow” Toy: Select a quality “wow” toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal.
3. Fill with Gifts: Add other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.
4. Pray: Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. Ask God to fill this child’s heart with the joy and love of Jesus in this Christmas season and to help him or her become a life-long follower of Jesus.
5. Drop Off: Bring your shoebox gift to the collection area in the Commons by Sunday, December 8.
Gift Suggestions
Start with a large toy that a child will cherish, like a beautiful doll, a deflated soccer ball with pump, or a plush stuffed animal. Then fill the box completely, adding quality items like cars, musical instruments, puzzles, jump ropes, etc.
School supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, coloring books, etc.
Non-liquid hygiene items such as bar soap, toothbrushes, washcloths, combs.
A personal note and photo of you and your family/group
Age-Based Suggestions
Infant to 3 Years
baby books (bilingual if possible), socks, stuffed animals, small soft blanket, toy that sings or plays music, hat/beanie
4-6 Years
dolls/action figures, cars, play jewelry, crayons & sharpener, Silly Putty/Play Doh, finger puppets, self-inking stamps, stickers, paddle ball, yo-yo, activity books
7-10 Years
travel-size games, pencils, colored pencils, eraser & sharpener, multiplication/division flash cards, picture books, yo-yo, musical instruments (drum, harmonica, kazoo, etc.)
11-15 Years
soccer ball or basketball (deflated) with pump, card games, chapter books, note pad or journal, fashion jewelry and hair decorations (girls), solar calculator, travel sewing kit, deodorant (solid or gel)
Please do not include used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; seeds; chocolate or other food that can melt; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; razors; aerosol cans.