Samaritan’s Purse- Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child: Spreading Joy and Love, One Shoebox at a Time
Operation Christmas Child is a heartwarming initiative by Samaritan’s Purse that brings smiles, hope, and the message of love to children around the globe.
By filling a simple shoebox with gifts, participants in this program make an immeasurable impact on the lives of children in need, demonstrating kindness and compassion during the holiday season.
Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered over 200 million shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries.
These boxes, packed with school supplies, hygiene items, toys, and personal notes, offer tangible expressions of care and are often the first gifts many children have ever received.
How It Works
The simplicity of Operation Christmas Child’s concept is one of its greatest strengths. Individuals, families, and groups pack shoeboxes with age-appropriate gifts tailored to boys or girls in one of three age groups: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Get a Shoebox: Use any standard shoebox or order pre-printed boxes from Samaritan’s Purse.
- Pack with Care: Fill the box with gifts such as small toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and personal notes or photos.
- Donate: Include a $10 donation to cover shipping and ministry expenses.
- Drop Off: Deliver your box to a designated collection site during National Collection Week in November.
For detailed instructions and gift suggestions, visit the How to Pack a Shoebox guide.
A Shoebox with a Mission
Beyond the joy of receiving gifts, Operation Christmas Child is an opportunity to share the message of hope. Each child who receives a shoebox is also invited to participate in The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson discipleship program that introduces them to Jesus Christ.
This program helps children understand their values, discover faith, and share what they’ve learned with their families and communities. The ripple effect of these small boxes is profound, often transforming not just individual lives but entire communities.
Stories of Joy
Every shoebox tells a story, and every child who opens one creates a new chapter of hope.
One story is that of Carlos, a boy in Mexico who received a shoebox filled with art supplies. The gift sparked his creativity and inspired him to dream of becoming an artist. For children like Carlos, the gifts in the shoebox are more than items—they’re seeds of possibility.
You can read more heartwarming stories of impact on the Operation Christmas Child Stories page.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether by packing shoeboxes, donating, or volunteering, there are countless ways to join this meaningful cause:
- Pack a Shoebox: Individually or as part of a group, this is a hands-on way to share the holiday spirit.
- Build a Shoebox Online: Can’t pack in person? Use the convenient online tool to customize and send a shoebox virtually.
- Donate: Financial contributions help cover shipping costs and support the ministry’s global outreach efforts.
Why It Matters
Operation Christmas Child is more than a seasonal tradition—it’s a global movement of generosity and love. Through the simple act of packing a shoebox, anyone can become part of a life-changing mission that brings joy, hope, and the message of faith to children in need.
To learn more, participate, or support this initiative, visit the Operation Christmas Child page today. Together, we can make this Christmas unforgettable for children around the world.