How to make a box of hope

How To Make A Box Of Hope

Making a box is easy!  By following a few simple steps, you are well on your way to bringing a smile to a child’s face.

1 Find an empty shoe box, or a reusable bag
2 Decorate your box or bag
3 Add in your gifts – click here for our shopping list!
4Complete the Box of Hope sticker and attach it.
5Drop off the box at one of the collection points
Important points!

Please do not wrap items individually but do secure your box with an elastic band! Thank you.

 
Watch a Box of Hope creation
Play Video

1. Find an empty shoe box, or reusable bag

To fit all the items inside and keep everything safe, you need to have a box roughly this size 30cm x 18cm x 13cm.  If you can’t find a box at home, ask at your local sports shop.  Alternatively, find a reusable shopping bag, or drawstring backpack.  Please don’t use oversized boxes or very small boxes, we like to treat all children equally.

2. Decorate your box or bag

Please wrap your box and its lid separately and find an elastic band that will secure the box. Please don’t seal the box.

Be as creative as you like with your box/bag decoration.  We love seeing what you can come up with!

3. Add in your gifts

Every box needs to have at least:

Hygiene items (must include): 

  • a toothbrush
  • toothpaste (large)
  • a bar of soap
  • wash cloth

 

Stationary (must include):

  • a notebook
  • pen/pencils
  • eraser
  • sharpener

 

Fun & Active Items (e.g.):

  • card game
  • ball & pump
  • skipping rope
  • frisbee
  • travel size board game
  • play doh
  • colouring book

 

Something to love.

  • cuddly toy
  • toy cars
  • jewellery (loved by older recipients )
  • small wallet (loved by older recipients)
  • doll

 

Solid notebooks, colouring books, (colour) pencils and and games are the most wanted gifts (survey 2021).  Look at our pictures to get some inspiration. Try to add products in your box that reflect the age group and feel free to add in extra items if you still have some space in your box.

4. Complete and Attach the Box of Hope Sticker

Don’t forget to use our sticker. For the sticker of 2023 add your message on a card and put it in the box.  Include your name and a message for the child who will receive the box.  We have been told that the children who receive the boxes love to read these messages.  Attach the sticker to the box or around a bag strap.

5. Drop off the box to your school of a BOH drop off location

Check with your school or organisation on the deadline/venue for box collection. Or click here to find out about our box collection points throughout Hong Kong during November.

What to pack

The best part of making a box is deciding what to put in it. We’ve provided you with a few hints and tips to help you along.

toys

Something to love: Bear, soft toy, tennis ball, finger puppet, jigsaw, yo-yo, small musical instrument, torch (incl batteries), playing cards, small trucks and cars, doll, jewellery, make-up, hair accessories

Stationery

Something to do: Books (simple English), Felt pens, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, rubber, colouring book, notepad, picture/puzzle book, chalk, pencil case, stickers, calculator, etc.

hygiene items

Something to use: Toothbrush & toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, hair clips, bar of wrapped soap, flannel. NO LIQUIDS PLEASE.

other items

Sunglasses, cap, sun hat, bangles, necklaces, watch etc.

What Not To Pack

Our boxes travel to Hong Kong and other countries in South East Asia so must comply with customs regulations.  We kindly ask that you do not include the following items and help us to reduce our waste on items we cannot accept.  If you are unsure, then please click here to visit our page on what you can put in your box.

No Food Or Medicine

No Food Or Medicine

Conflict related items

Toy guns/knives/soldiers

Clothing

Other than what’s listed above

Fragile Items

Glass/pottery/mirrors

Liquids

Of any kind including shampoo/shower gel/blow bubbles/aerosols

WHERE TO TAKE YOUR BOX

You can drop off your box at the concierge at Two Exchange Square in Central, from

Monday the 6th until Friday the 10th of November 2023

Thank you! 

Make an impact

Your support is powerful

Schools

Empower your pupils to bring the joy of festive giving to those less fortunate

Volunteers

Join us to help bring a smile to a child’s face

Corporates

Spread the festive spirit in your organisation by supporting your local community

Sponsors

We are extremely grateful to our sponsors who provide us with the means and support to run Box of Hope, year after year.