The Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts‑filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way.

For many of these children, the gift—filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, has collected and delivered more than 198 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, the project expects to collect its 200 millionth gift-filled shoebox! 

Anyone can pack a shoebox. Individuals and families simply fill empty shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, such as dolls or soccer balls, then 

bring them back to Family Community Church by Sunday November 23, so we can deliver them and get them ready to be sent around the world.

Last year, we collected 230 shoe boxes, so lets get even more this year! Learn how to pack a shoebox, view gift suggestions, get your Follow Your Box label at samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Do not include candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war‑related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; seeds; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items, such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans.

Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through Follow Your Box and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Participants who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.