This year our goal is 500 shoeboxes! Items will be collected through November 17th. We do not need school items or hygiene items this year as we have had 500 kits of each already donated! Let’s make this an amazing year and send 500 amazing Gospel Opportunities to children all over the world!
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.
Christmas Shoeboxes are packed each year to bless children in need around the world. Along with their shoebox gift, children will also receive The Greatest Gift, a colorful presentation of the Gospel in their own language.
Our Packing Party is Saturday, November 23rd at 1:00 pm.
Suggested Items to Pack
Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, deflated balls with pumps, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), puzzles, small Legos, building blocks, Playdough, stickers, musical instruments, etc.
Accessories: T-shirts, shoes, clothes, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), gloves, scarves, drawstring backpacks, small fishing kits, small sewing kits, small first aid kits, tools, rope and clothespins, etc.
Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets.
A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
Do Not Include
Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; matches or lighters; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.