It is hard to know what to put in a box for an eighth grader if you haven’t had to deal with that age group recently.  So, to help you out with that we are including a list of recommended items for Hope Boxes broken down by gender and grade.  The lists can be daunting, so we would ask that you first focus on hygiene and school supplies before moving on to the fun stuff.  Now, by no means do we ask that you ignore the fun stuff because these children need things to brighten their day as much as anyone.  We simply want to insure that we get the necessities in each box.  You may not think a toothbrush would be a necessity, but we have continually discovered that when decisions need to be made between dental hygiene and putting food on the table—food wins!!

The following are what we suggest putting in a Hope Box (sorted by grade).

FOUR YEAR OLDS (PRE-K) AND KINDERGARTEN

GIRLS

Must have: Soap (No Irish Spring), Washcloth, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Pencils, Erasers, Socks, Crayons, Coloring Book, Candy, Chapstick, and Brush/Comb

Fun Options: Play-dough, Barbie, Minnie Mouse, Shopkins, Doc McStuffins, Sophia the First, Bubbles, Jump Rope, Dolls, Stuffed Animals, Num-Nums, Squishies, Squeezemials, Surprise Toys, Sidewalk Chalk, Educational Toys and Disney Princess

BOYS

Must have: Soap (No Irish Spring), Washcloth, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Pencils, Erasers, Socks, Crayons, Coloring Book, Candy, Chapstick, and Brush/Comb

Fun Options: Play-dough, Bubbles, Sidewalk Chalk, Educational Toys, Legos, Stuffed Animals, PJ Mask, Mickey Mouse, Thomas the train, Matchbox Cars, Trains, Blaze, Superheroes, Balls, Disney – Toy Story, Incredibles, Minions, Cars

FIRST AND SECOND GRADE

GIRLS

Must have: Soap (No Irish Spring), Washcloth, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Pencils, Erasers, Socks, Crayons, Coloring Book, Candy, Chapstick, and Brush/Comb

Fun Options: Play-dough, Barbie Dolls/ Accessories, LOL Dolls, Num-Nums, Jo Jo Siwa, Squishies, Squeezemials, Surprise Toys, Educational Toys, My Little Pony, Jumprope, Crafts, Trolls, Little Charmers, Disney Princesses, and/or Frozen

BOYS

Must have: Soap (No Irish Spring), Washcloth, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Pencils, Erasers, Socks, Crayons, Coloring Book, Candy, Chapstick, and Brush/Comb

Fun Options: Play-dough, Educational Toys, Legos, PJ Mask, Thomas the Train, Matchbox Cars, Trains, Monster Trucks, Slime, Superheroes, Balls, Surprise Toys, Mash’ems, Super Mario, Wrestling Toys, Disney – Incredibles, Toy Story, Cars, Minions

GRADES THREE – FIVE

GIRLS

Must have: Soap (No Irish Spring), Washcloth, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Pencils, Erasers, Socks, Candy, Chapstick, Brush/Comb, Crayons or Colored Pencils or Markers, Coloring Book or Activity Book or Notebook

Fun Options: Barbie, LOL Dolls, Num-Nums, Jo Jo Siwa stuff, Squishies, Squeezemials, Surprise Toys, Slime, My Little Pony, Educational Toys, Jumprope, Trolls, Crafts, Frozen

BOYS

Must have: Soap (No Irish Spring), Washcloth, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Pencils, Erasers, Socks, Candy, Chapstick, Brush/Comb, Crayons or Colored Pencils or Markers, Coloring Book or Activity Book and/or Notebook

Fun Options: Play-dough, Educational Toys, Legos, PJ Mask, Thomas the Train, Matchbox Cars, Trains, Monster Trucks, Slime, Superheroes,
Balls (Nerf style), Surprise Toys, Mash’ems, Super Mario, and/or Wrestling Toys

GRADES SIX – EIGHT

GIRLS

Must have: Body Wash or Soap, Washcloth or Poof, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Pencils/Pens, Erasers, Socks, Candy, Gum, Brush/Comb, Colored Pencils or Markers, Notebook or Puzzle book. and/or Lotion

Fun Options: Slime, Nail Polish, Make-up, Lip Gloss or Lipstick, Perfume, Acne Wash, Stationary Set, Journal, Hair Accessories, Card Games,
Adult Coloring Books, Makeup Bags, Softball, and/or Water Bottles

BOYS

Must have: Body Wash or Soap, Washcloth or Poof, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Pencils/Pens, Erasers, Socks, Colored Pencils or Markers, Brush/Comb, Candy, Gum, Notebook and/or Puzzle Book

Fun Options: Slime, Baseball, Nerf Products, Deflated Football or Soccer Ball (with Air Pump), Ball Caps (Camo,) Pattern Duct Tape, Card Games, Baseball Glove, Fishing Accessories, Any University of Kentucky Stuff, and/or Water Bottles