Operation Christmas Child

When: Start putting together supplies now and drop your box off at the church by November 12th. Materials for packing (boxes and labels will be available on a Sunday morning soon).

Description: Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan's Purse that helps children all over the world to celebrate Christmas, and know the reason as to why Christians do. Below are some instructions for packing a box. Shippping donations cost $9 per box. 

How to Pack a Shoebox

1. Find a Shoebox

Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. You can pick up a box at the church as well.

2. Girl or Boy?

Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.

3. Fill with Gifts

Select a medium to large “wow” item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Please don't pack - Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; 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.

For gift suggestions, visit this website - https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/

4. Pray

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

5. Follow Your Box Labels

Donate $9 online and receive a tracking label to Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

If you prefer to download and print basic labels, or to pick up one from the church, remember to include your $9 donation per shoebox.

6. Drop-Off

Take your shoebox gift to FFC by Sunday Nov. 12th

New Ways to pack a box this year -

In addition, an official OCC Amazon storefront of quality items recommended for shoebox gifts has just been launched. This is an optional resource for you. You can view the list of ideas here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/operationchristmaschild

And finally, Samaritan’s Purse is providing an online option where you can choose what you want to put in a shoebox and they will pack it and deliver it for you. 

Check out their website for more information about this option.

www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/