2026 volunteer guide

Give a child a box full of hope.

Use your child's packet to find the right shopping list, choose gifts, pack the box, and return everything together. The steps below follow the 2026 Boxes of Love cards.

Find a shopping list →See packing steps

8 age-specific lists12 × 12 × 5 in. gift boxOne child per packet

The path

Five simple steps

Keep the child's packet with you: its colored bag, envelope, and donation ticket are part of the return.

Choose the list

Match the child’s age and gender on the packet to one of the eight lists below.

Shop the list

Get each listed item. Where the list says “or,” choose one of those options.

Pack the gifts

All gifts must fit in the supplied clear self-closing bag and the red 12 × 12 × 5 inch box.

Include the extras

Put one $15 gift card and the completed $15 online donation ticket in the packet’s colored envelope.

5 · Return it all together. Bring back the colored handled bag containing the clear bag of gifts and the colored envelope with the gift card and donation ticket. See the full return checklist →

Find your child’s age

2026 shopping lists

Choose the age and gender printed on your child’s packet. Each page includes the exact items and a matching Amazon wish list.

Boys

Ages 1–3View list →Ages 4–6View list →Ages 7–12View list →Ages 13–18View list →

Girls

Ages 1–3View list →Ages 4–6View list →Ages 7–12View list →Ages 13–18View list →

Remember the gift card. Add one $15 card from Target, Walmart, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, or In-N-Out. The card is separate from the gifts in the clear bag.

One more way to love

Serve beyond the box

Pack and return with confidence

Check the red box dimensions, the clear bag, colored envelope, donation ticket, and handled return bag.

Read the instructions →

Get involved locally

Explore Friends Church’s Loving Families program and local service partners.

See service opportunities →