OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

We along with thousands of other churches team up with Samaritan's Purse to show Christ's love to millions of children around the world. The collection date for our shoe boxes is November 12, 2023 and our goal is 110 boxes. Last year we fell a little short of our goal. Won't you help us to surpass our goal this year by picking up a brochure at church and packing a box.  

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Since 1993, more than 209 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered to more than 170 countries and territories. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

How to Pack a Shoe Box

1. SHOE BOX
Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. BOY OR GIRL?
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label shown above. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION
Please donate $10 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

5. DROP OFF
Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at our Church by November 13, 2023. It is never too early to think about shoe boxes. So start planning and purchasing.  So will you help us to reach that goal.

GIFT IDEAS

TOYS 
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc. 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES 
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. 

HYGIENE ITEMS 
toothbrush,  but no toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. 

OTHER 
T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) 

A PERSONAL NOTE 
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) 

DO NOT INCLUDE: 
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

For more information about Operation Christmas Child or Samaritan's Purse or if you are not local and would like to participate in Operation Christmas Child click here.