Operation Christmas Child

National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20

Operation Christmas Child is a kids-helping-kids project of Samaritan's Purse that uses simple gift-filled shoe boxes to let hurting children know that they are loved and not forgotten. Operation Christmas Child reaches millions of children--many of whom have never received a gift before--with a message of hope and love.

1. Choose a Box

Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. Boy or Girl?

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork at SamaritansPurse.org. Mark the correct age category on the label and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. Fill with Gifts

Select a medium to large “wow” item such as a soccer ball with a pump or a stuffed animal. Then fill the box with a variety of other gifts that will bring delight to a child. Ideas include small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, ball caps, hair clips, etc. You can even include a personal note and photo to the child receiving the box.

4. Include Your Donation

Please donate $9 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using the “Follow Your Box” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box.

5. Drop Off

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the collection center nearest you during our collection week, Nov. 13-20.

For locations and hours of collection, visit SamaritansPurse.org. There you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP code.

No time to build a box? No worries! You can build a box online at SamaritansPurse.org.

New this year: No toothpaste or candy. These items are no longer allowed in shoeboxes due to customs regulations.