what is Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child is a project run through Samaritans Purse. It is a mission focused on sharing the gospel with children and blessing them with a gift!
Each year children and adults pack shoeboxes with gifts and supplies for children in need. Those boxes are distributed to children ages 2-14 all over the world!
Simple steps to packing a shoebox
- Find a shoebox- you can use any shoe box, pick up a box from church, order pre printed boxes through Operation Christmas Child or get a pre printed box at Hobby Lobby!
- Pick a boy or girl age 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14 – you can print a label from Operation Christmas Childs website or pick one up from Hobby Lobby.
- Buy toys and supplies – Find Ideas BELOW!
- Pack your box/pray over it
- Make a $9 donation (per box) to cover shipping
- Drop box off at a participating church or a collection site.
Where to drop the boxes off?
You can find the closest drop-off location here by putting in your zip code, city, or state.
national collection week is :
November 15-22
Even though it’s called Operation Christmas Child, the boxes will be distributed all throughout the coming year.
These shoeboxes travel far and wide to reach children all over the world, including very remote areas.
There is a feature on Operation Christmas Childs website that allows you to see where your box/boxes end up.
Your gift can have a lifelong affect on a child’s life. That gift has the opportunity to make a lasting and eternal impact on them and their families.
The influence of this ministry demonstrates the care, love and generosity of our God through people like you and me! Families and communities will be transformed because of your generosity!
What to pack in an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox:
- Toys
- School Supplies
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Clothes
- Handmade Items
- Stickers
- Art supplies
Ideas to help you pack your Operation Christmas Child Box:
Clothing:
- Socks
- A hat
- t-shirt
- Underwear
- Flip Flops
Hygiene Items:
- Tooth brush
- Washcloth
- Floss
- Hairbrush/Comb
- Bar of Soap
- Deodorant
Wow Gifts:
- Ball/pump
- Doll
- Musical Instrument
- Stuffed Animal
- Yoyo
- Stuffed animal
- Legos
- Cars
School Supplies:
- Pencils / Pencil Sharpener
- Notepad
- Erasers
- Calculator
Art Supplies:
- Markers
- Crayons
- Watercolor Set
- Colored Pencils
- Stickers
- Sketchbook
Creative Ideas for packing a shoebox
- Draw a picture on the inside lid of the box
- Personalize it by writing a note and including a photos of you and your family
- Use stickers or washi tape to decorate the inside of the box
- Pick a theme! ex Pandas, Mini Mouse, Turtle etc.
- Wrap your box in decorative wrapping paper (make sure to wrap the lid and box separately)
You can find more creative ideas here.
pray over your shoebox
Once your shoebox is dropped off at a collection site it goes on an amazing journey that ends in a child’s hands. Through Operation Christmas Child they may be hearing the Gospel for the first time!
So, when you are packing these gifts ask God to bless that child and continue to pray for their salvation!
Learn more about how Operation Christmas Child shares the gospel with shoe box recipients here.
Around this time of year I love reading stories of how a shoebox has had a lasting affect on shoe box recipients. It is amazing to hear how a child and their family were impacted so significantly by the gift they were given.
Read shoebox stories HERE
Through Operation Christmas Child YOU are helping spread the Gospel to the ends of the Earth!
My family and I look forward to packing shoeboxes together each year. We have been packing boxes since I was little and it has become a family tradition.
I hope this post inspires you to pack a shoe box for a child this year and many more to come.
