An earplug-holding box is described, which can be inserted into a dispenser where the contents can be readily released. The box (30) has a bottom wall formed by a pair of flaps (50, 52). A release device (34) holds outer portions (64, 66) of the flaps together until the release device is pulled out. The outer portion of each flap includes an upstanding tab (76, 78) with a horizontal slot (82), and the release device includes a cardboard plate which is received in the slots. While the upper walls (84, figure 5) of the slots press down against the release plate, the widely spaced opposite sides (90, 92) of the release plate bear against the upper surfaces (94, 96) of the flaps to prevent the tabs (76, 78) and therefore the flaps (50, 52) from moving down.