boxes of hope

In a disaster, sometimes the most basic necessities are the biggest need. Boxes of Hope are an effort to coordinate and simplify material donations from Vineyard churches around the country. 


The concept is for the empty Boxes of Hope to be taken home by people throughout the Vineyard community to be filled and returned to the local church for shipment to the current Mercy Response relief site. 


If you are interested in donating Boxes of Hope, please check out our Boxes of Hope FAQ below or contact us here.

instructions & contents

(this list may be downloaded here)


Instructions – Please Read Carefully

  • Place all liquid items in gallon sized, freezer zip lock bags.
  • Don’t over pack boxes so they do not bulge.
  • Evenly distribute the heavy items. Preferably in the corners and in the center.
  • Do not pack any aerosol cans of any kind.
  • Generic brands are fine. It is better to fill more boxes than to buy expensive products in this context.
  • You should be able to fill a box for less than $50.00
  • Be sure to mark the box indicating the type of contents inside.
  • Do not pack perishable foods
  • Always tape the top and bottom of the box to prevent inadvertent opening or tearing.

Baby Contents (Sizes are Approximate)

  • 1  Jumbo package of diapers – Size 2, 3 or 4
  • 1 Tub (80 ct) of baby wipes
  • 1 Box (16 oz) of rice cereal
  • 1 Can (32 oz) of powdered formula
  • 3 Baby Bottles
  • 1 Bottle (15-20 oz) of baby lotion
  • 1 Bottle (15-20 oz) of baby wash or shampoo
  • 1 Tube (1-3 oz) of diaper rash ointment
  • 1 Bottle of baby Tylenol
  • 1 Package of Pacifiers
  • 4 Baby washcloths

If there is room for a small toy or book, please feel free to add it to the contents

 

 

Hygiene Contents (Sizes are Approximate)

  • 8 Bars of soap
  • 4 Toothbrushes
  • 1 Tube of toothpaste
  • 1 Bottle of mouthwash (family size)
  • 1 Hairbrush
  • 1 Comb
  • 2 Container of unscented deodorant
  • 1 Container (6-8 oz) of mosquito repellant
  • 1 Box band aids
  • 10 Disposable Razors
  • 1 Large package of sanitary napkins/tampons
  • 1 Bottle of antibacterial hand sanitizer
  • 1 Bottle (60 ct) of  pain reliever ( Ibuprofen,  Tylenol,  Advil)
  • 2 Rolls of toilet tissue
  • Dental Floss
  • 5 New washcloths


Food Contents (Sizes are Approximate)

  • 3 Boxes of macaroni and cheese
  • 2 Bag (1 lb) of rice
  • 2 Bag (1 lb) of beans
  • 1 Container (18-20 oz) of fruit drink mix
  • 1 Squeeze bottle of jelly
  • 1 Plastic jar (18 oz) of peanut butter
  • 1 Plastic jar (18 oz) of dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 Bag (6 oz) of  spaghetti noodles
  • 1 Box of breakfast bars
  • 1 Box of protein or granola type bars
  • 1 Inexpensive can opener
  • 4 Cans (10 oz) of soup
  • 3 Cans (15 oz) of vegetables
  • 6 Cans of tuna or canned meat  and  1 Box (12 oz) of  crackers

Boxes of hope faq

Who should fill the Boxes of Hope?

The concept is for the empty Boxes of Hope to be taken home by people throughout the Vineyard community to be filled and returned to the local church for shipment to the current Mercy Response relief site. 


What information is needed in order to get started?

In order to initiate the Boxes of Hope process, contact us here. Please include the following information: your shipping address, a phone number at which we can reach you, and the name and phone number of your church/organization. 


How do I get the info needed to prepare a budget for my church/organization to participate in the Boxes of Hope program? 

The Mercy Response Boxes of Hope Administrator can provide unit-based, rough estimates of the shipping costs to and from your location. 


How big is each Box of Hope? 

Each box is roughly 18" x 11" x 11" when assembled. 


How many empty boxes should I ask for? 

The quantity of boxes requested is entirely up to you. The standards for shipping small quantities of empty boxes are: 20, 45, 90, & 135. Larger quantities are either shipped in multiples of 10 on a pallet, or in full pallets of 360. 


How do I get the empty boxes?

Once you have sent your initial request for information and have been contacted by the Mercy Response Boxes of Hope Administrator, you can send an email to srich@vineyardneworleans.org indicating that you are ready to participate in the program. At this point, it is suggested that you have a designated "Boxes of Hope Coordinator" for your church/organization. Please provide contact information for the Boxes of Hope Coordinator, as well as the number of empty boxes being requested. 


What do I put in each of the Boxes of Hope? 

A: There are 3 different types of Boxes of Hope: Food, Basic Hygiene items, and Baby items. Please refer to our packing list page for a detailed listing of items. 


How many types of each Box of Hope would you prefer to be filled; what is most needed? 

Although all three categories of boxes are needed, we suggest that you distribute and fill the boxes as follows: 60% Food, 20% Hygiene Items, and 20% Baby Items. Approximations are fine-you don't need to spend a lot of time managing the percentages! 


How much will each Box of Hope weigh once filled? 

Although we are not able to provide an exact weight, we estimate that each box is approximately 25 lbs. when filled. 


I don't know anything about shipping; will someone be able to help me? 

We have a program set up with CRC Logistics that makes it as simple as you letting us know when the boxes are ready and we will schedule the pick-up and delivery. 


Am I obligated to use the CRC Shipping Option? 

Absolutely not; you can certainly deliver the boxes yourself if you wish.  All we ask is that you come ready to help unload and palletize the Boxes of Hope when you reach the Mercy Response relief site. 


Do I have to pay for the shipping of the empty Boxes of Hope? 

A donation of $2 a box is very helpful but not mandatory.


Do I also need to pay for the shipping of the filled Boxes of Hope? 

Again, if you are in a position to help cover the cost it helps us use our resources for other items.


When returning the filled Boxes of Hope, do I need to place the boxes on pallets myself? 

Yes. Boxes should be stacked neatly on a pallet, labeled on all four sides with the destination address and then shrink wrapped.


Am I required to ship the filled Boxes of Hope, or can I deliver them myself? 

You can get them to the Mercy Response relief site however you want, just let the Mercy Response Boxes of Hope Administrator know what your plans are prior to delivery. 


Is there a need for churches to act as regional distribution points for empty boxes? 

Definitely. If you have the ability to receive pallets of empty Boxes of Hope and are interested in finding out more about being a regional distribution center, please contact us here. 


Who can I contact with questions? 

Please contact us here.