WARNING! UPS IS THREATENING TO STIRKE BEGINNING AUGUST 13TH. IF YOU HAVE ORNAMENTS READY CONSIDER SHIPPING THEM NOW. REMEMBER TO COMPARE SHIPPING COSTS ONLINE FOR THE BEST RATES. They just reached a deal, no stirke!!!!
UPDATE and CREATION TIPS It's Monday and time for an update. We have no new states to highlight this week and no states turning from grey to red. There is still time to invite others but we are getting close to the time when ornaments will be due. It's an exciting time and a crazy busy tine for our coordinators. We really appreciate them so much. They are reaching out to media to let them know what we are doing and to invite them to events. More and more media outlets and talk shows are looking for good news, people loving and caring for others. If you know of a media outlet in your area or a talk show that may be interested in what you are doing or what we are doing as a group please reach out to them.
Since we have no big news today we would like to remind you of some of our tips for creating ornaments.
The variety of ornaments we have received is absolutely amazing. When creating ornaments there are a few tips we have learned after receiving 20,000 ornaments in 2022, some that arrived broken and damaged. As you plan for 2023 consider the following.
1. Green ornaments do not show up as well on a green tree. If using green consider using a light green.
2. Wooden ornaments such as those made by using clothes pins should be glued together with wood glue. Other glues do not hold up as well.
3. Painted and glued ornaments should be allowed to dry for a few days before mailing. Wet paint will make a mess
4. Ornaments 4-5 inches or smaller work the best. If, however your ornaments are narrow and longer than 5 inches, such as those made on ribbons, that works as well. We place a dozen ornaments in each resealable bag and if they are too crowded in the bag they can be damaged.
5. If making wood ornaments or those with a solid back, feel free to put your city and state on the back. Survivors have shared they want to remember where they were created.
6. Be sure the materials you use are sturdy and can withstand travel and sorting. Have you ever received a damaged box in the mail? We did. In fact one of the boxes I sent was damaged and thus a few ornaments were damaged. We want to make sure your hard work, financial investment and love are protected from harm. Wood, fabric, plastic, beads, metal, yarn, all work well. If using ribbon be sure to fray check the ends if the ribbon unravels.
7. If you are making ornaments from plastic pieces that snap together to make the ornament, please glue them closed or place a couple stickers over the closure. Stickers come in the shape of snowflakes or even polka dots. Two piece ornaments may come apart in shipping and will not be as beautiful as you intended.
8. We are only accepting ornaments. Other Christmas crafts and decorations are too large to distribute.
9. All ornaments need to be handmade. Our goal is to help survivors understand there are many willing to spend time making a gift just for them.
A reminder: Please check the chart before mailing ornaments to understand where they are needed most. If you need help please ask. When possible please send ornaments to all locations where they are needed.
Operation Christmas Ornaments
Attn: Beth
1510 Tullahoma Drive, Prattville, AL 36066
Operation Christmas Ornaments
Attn: Imogene
1489 Whooping Drive, Groveland, FL 34736
Operation Christmas Ornaments Attn: Laura 22 Stoney Brook Drive. Winchester, KY 40391