Operation Christmas Child

A ministry of Samaritan's Purse

Share God's Love

Help spread the Good News of God’s love to children in need by packing a shoebox full of simple gifts and sending it off with prayer!

Christ Church is a Drop-off Location for Operation Christmas Child, a project of the international relief organization, Samaritan’s Purse. You may be familiar with this ministry in which a shoebox is filled with small gifts for one child. These simple gifts are shipped outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

After receiving shoebox gifts, many boys and girls are invited to enroll in “The Greatest Journey”, a 12-lesson discipleship program. Through this program, local ministry partners are able to establish long-term, caring relationships with children and families by sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

National Collection Week is November 13-20, 2023!

We are a drop-off location for our region.
Drop-off hours at Christ Church for the week of November 13-November 20, 2023:
11/13 - Monday 8AM-12PM
11/14 - Tuesday 3PM-5PM
11/15 - Wednesday 8AM-12PM
11/16 - Thursday 3PM-6PM
11/17 - Friday 3PM-6PM
11/18 - Saturday 10AM-12PM
11/19 - Sunday 12:30PM-5PM
11/20 - Monday 8AM-12PM

Get a box

Pre-printed shoeboxes are available here at church. Or use an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately.

Choose your recipient

Decide whether you will pack a box for a GIRL OR BOY, and the AGE CATEGORY: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.

Fill the box!

Select a medium to large “wow” item such as a deflated soccer ball with pump or a stuffed animal. Then fill with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.For gift suggestions, click "gift ideas" above. Do not include liquids or lotions, breakable items or aerosol cans or war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures. Also, DO NOT INCLUDE TOOTHPASTE OR CANDY due to customs restrictions.

Donate

A donation of $9 per gift is suggested to cover the cost to collect, process, and ship shoebox gifts to more than 100 countries. It also provides ministry materials such as The Greatest Gift Gospel Booklet. You may include a $9 check in your box or donate online.

Track

Donate online and receive a tracking label to Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your shoebox gift! For online donation and tracking information, click "Donate and track" above.

Pray

Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo.

What goes in is fun. What comes out is eternal!

In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ!