Please contact John Barker  (phone 765-346-0979) before bringing anything to the warehouse. If you cannot get in touch with Mr. Barker, or Joe Wagner at 765-650-0231.

PLEASE NOTE: All boxes should be properly boxed and labeled before they are brought to the warehouse. All boxes except equipment should be so one average person can handle. Do not pack books in large boxes.

Please Read Before You Start to Pack

• Consider carefully the following question: Has the item been requested? If in doubt, contact the Operation Classroom Office.
• If you are sending equipment, make sure it has been cleaned and reconditioned and is ready for use. Please do not send it otherwise. Important: If at all possible send an operation manual along with each item of equipment. Otherwise it may not be usable. Do not bring computers over three years old. Do not bring computers unless Windows XP or Vista has been installed. Using used clothes or blankets enables it to be pack it securely.
• Do not send CD’s, DVD’s, or videos unless they have been requested. Most schools do not have the equipment to use them.
• Be sure the YES and ET kits are complete, or that a notation is made on the packing list if something is missing. Please do not mix empty bags with filled bags in a box, unless you have clearly indicated this on your packing list. If you are shipping empty YES bags, please note that they are EMPTY YES Bags.
• If you are sending clothes, be sure they are lighter-weight clothes and are clean and in excellent condition. Do not send such items as swimming suits, women’s slacks, shorts, or halter-tops. It is best to use used clothes as packing material rather than in a box by themselves.

Steps in Packing

1. Except in the case of large items such as typewriter, sewing machines, or computers be sure one average person can handle the box you are packing. We recommend boxes be approximately 10x12x18; (about the size moving companies use for books.) Do not use large boxes for books. They are too difficult to handle.

However, such items as homecoming kits, lunch kits, stuffed animals, etc larger boxes can be used. THE KEY FACTOR IN PACKING BOXES-- ONE PERSON CAN HANDLE THE BOX. PLEASE DO NOT EXCEED 35 POUNDS EXCEPT IN CASES OF EQUIPMENT.

Also, as often as possible, if packing books, pack the same title or type of books together in the same box. Please identify the grade level if possible on the packing list. This makes it easier for them to distribute.

2. Pack all items firmly. Try not to leave loose space on the top. It makes it difficult to stack them in the container

TIP: You may want to use some good used clothing (summer weight), or sheets, or towels as your packing material; these would then have the advantage of being useful afterwards. Seal your box with durable mailing tape. [Do not use masking or scotch tape.] Fill out and attach your Packing List, using the guidelines below.

Preparing the Packing List

Each box that is ready for shipment needs its own standardized packing list and copy. Our standard PACKING LIST FORM is found on the shipping page form (To copy a packing list form, click here.) You will need two copies for each box you will be packing. If you wish to keep a copy for yourself, you will need to make a third copy. See below what to do with the packing list.

Before you fill out the form, Xerox as many blanks as you estimate you will need. (You may wish to use the computer in typing the packing lists. If you do, and choose to make your form on the computer, be sure you use the same information and same format, which is on the packing list. If you use a database or a spread sheet contact the OC office for instructions on preparing the packing list.)

As you fill in the packing list for each box, please type or print clearly. Please note: Each item and its quantity. (Do not include a price.)

Be specific. Please do not fill in simply “school supplies” or “books.” List the supplies, and how many of each. Please don’t list, for example, “5 pkgs. of pens.” Packages differ in size. List the 5 pkgs of 10 pens) number of individual pens, pencils, etc. However with paper, do not count the sheets. Count the number of packages or reams.

List the t number and type of books (math, science, reading etc.). If there are grade levels, please indicate that as well.

Numbering and codes – Operation Classroom has a specific code and numbering system. If you number your boxes, check with the OC office as to the code and numbers to be used. Otherwise do not use codes or numbers..

Getting boxes to the Operation Classroom warehouse

IF YOU ARE TAKING THE BOXES TO THE WAREHOUSE

• Attach one copy of the packing list securely to the SIDE of your box, using clear packing tape. Make sure the paper is flat, not folded, and fully readable. This is the simplest way to identify the box and its contents when it is unloaded in West Africa.
• Put one copy of the packing list into an envelope and attach lightly the envelope to the top of the box. Please do not seal the envelope or attach this too securely, as it will be removed at the warehouse. This copy will be used in preparing the invoice for shipping. Please do not send the packing list separately from the boxes. This may seem inefficient, but our method is to give a code number to each box and the same number to the second copy of the packing list. Do not send the packing lists to the Colfax OC office. They need to be attached to the box.
• Please do not put your check to cover shipping costs into this envelope. Do not put it inside the box. Send it to the OC Office.

IF YOU ARE SENDING YOUR BOXES TO THE WAREHOUSE

If it is necessary to send, rather than take boxes to Lapel-- Send your boxes UPS or Fed Ex, and not through the post office. The post office does not deliver to the warehouse.

1. Make a label for each box, as you would ordinarily do to send a package. The address to put on the label(s) is:

Operation Classroom
%Mori Sales
806 Woodward Street
Lapel, IN 46051

2. Set label(s) aside.

3. Put your 2 packing list copies for that box into an envelope. Mark each box 1 of .. , 2 of.. etc.,, and mark the packing lists the same (need .) 2. Secure the two copies of the packing list in an envelope and place the envelope on the top of the box with tape.

The Warehouse Location

Operation Classroom has a warehouse at Mori Sales (formerly Lapel Grain Company). Lapel is located on State Roads #13 and #32, and is approximately 20 miles NE of Castleton, a northeasterly section of Indianapolis. The warehouse is located in the former Lapel Grain Complex, 806 Woodward Street.

Before taking anything to the warehouse, you should contact: John Barker 765.346.0979.

He will arrange to meet you at the warehouse and assist in unloading your boxes. If you see you will not be there at the appointed time, phone him and work out the time. The warehouse does not have regular hours. Therefore, it is important to make your arrangements for him to meet you at the warehouse.

Shipping Costs

Listed below is the schedule of MANDATORY contributions for shipping. We're sorry, but if material shows up at the warehouse or at in-gatherings without arrangements having been made to cover these costs, IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED for shipment.

• Box 12x12x12= $10
• Box up to 12x12x18 -$15
• Box over 12x12x18 up to 18x18x18 =$ 20
• Over 18x18x18 to a computer sized box = $ 30
• Computer sized box = $ 40

The donation for the shipping costs is the responsibility of the local church or individual who donates or secures the items, unless you or your district has made other arrangements. These charges cover:

• The leasing and freight for the container
• Clearing customs
• Freight forwarding (Truck and Ocean-going vessel)
• Customs clearing in-country
  

Make checks payable to OPERATION CLASSROOM. Shipping costs are tax deductible.

If shipping costs are sent through the conference to GBGM in New York, use the advance number:

Africa Operation Classroom: 12922Y

You can donate your shipping costs by credit card. Go to the home page and click the box DONATE and compete the donation line.

Tip

If you have questions, contact John Barker (765.346.0979) or Bob Coolman at 219-464-8055 (O) 219-464-2702 (H) 219-405-5821 (C).