Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child

Join us as we create shoebox gifts for children around the world. Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children in need around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes.  Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God’s immense love for the child. We’ll be collecting shoeboxes between November 3rd and November 17th.

How to Pack a Shoebox

1. Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. You can use your own shoeboxes or pick up a shoebox from Goodwill during Sunday morning worship.
2. Choose who your shoebox will be for – a boy or girl, age 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14
3. Select a medium to large “wow” item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill with other fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items. Don’t forget to also include a personal note and photo—sometimes these are the child’s favorite things to receive!
4. Most importantly, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) for the child who will receive your shoebox gift.  Please also pray for their family to also be receptive to the Good New of Jesus Christ, the pastor of the church who delivers your shoebox gift, and their community to be transformed by the Gospel.
5. Drop off at Goodwill during Sunday morning worship November 3rd, 10th, or 17th. Goodwill will label the shoeboxes and drop off to be shipped.

What to Pack

A “WOW” ITEM
• Small backpack
• Soccer ball and pump
• Stuffed animal
• Jewelry making or hobby kit
• Large toy truck or car
• Musical instrument

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
• Toothbrush
• Washcloth
• Comb and brush
• Nail clipper and file
• Water bottle
• Flashlight

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
• Pencils, sharpener, and erasers
• Pencil container
• Pens
• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Markers
• Notebooks
• Index cards
• Calculator
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Glue stick
• Small adhesive tape
• Drawstring bag

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
• Flip-flops or shoes
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Wristwatch
• Costume jewelry
• Hair accessories
• Clothing and undergarments
• Winter cap, scarf, and mittens

GAMES & ACTIVITIES
• Puzzles
• Coloring books or pads
• Dry watercolor set
• Binoculars and compass
• Musical instruments
• Chalkboard and chalk
• Jump rope
• Stickers
• Games

TOYS
• Small ball
• Building blocks or LEGO® sets
• Slinky® or yo-yo
• Plastic animals
• Magnets
• Finger puppets
• Interactive toys
• Other small toys and figures

DO NOT INCLUDE
• Food, candy, or gum
• Toothpaste
• Used or damaged items
• Scary or war-related items
• Wearable traditional camouflage
• Seeds or organic matter
• Liquids
• Medication
• Money
• Breakable items
• Matches, fire starters, or aerosols
• Knives, saws, or razor blades