Operation Christmas Child
We are thrilled that you're interested in packing an Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoebox!
Below are resources that will help you understand the mission of OCC and help you build a shoebox that is full, fun and personal!
HOW TO BUILD A SHOEBOX
Here's a quick (2.5 minute) video with steps on how to build a shoebox.
Here's a more in depth (4.5 minute) video with steps on how to build a shoebox.
More resources on how to build a shoebox.
THE JOURNEY OF A SHOEBOX
Packing a Shoebox
Pick up a Shoebox Packing Kit at the OCC table. Review the materials and then go shopping. Pack your shoebox FULL with FUN items and PERSONALIZE it. The most important part is to pray over it!
Return the Shoebox
Once you've packed your shoebox FULL with FUN and PERSONAL items, return it to the OCC table before and after each service or to the Crossroads Offices (during normal business hours) by
Sunday, November 9th.
Sunday, November 9th.
Collection Site & Processing Center
The Crossroads team delivers the shoeboxes to a local collection site that collects and transports the shoeboxes to an OCC Processing Center near Chicago. Then, thousands of volunteers inspect and prepare the shoeboxes for international shipping.
Worldwide Distribution
Long before shoeboxes arrive in more than 100 countries, volunteer National Leadership Teams train pastors and community leaders who want to share the Gospel and bless children.
Outreach Events
Churches around the world hand out shoebox gifts at festive outreach events where the Gospel is clearly presented. Christians also take gifts to orphanages, hospitals, and at-risk places to share the hope of Christ. Along with the gifts, OCC offers Gospel booklets called The Greatest Gift to help shoebox recipients learn about God’s greatest gift, His Son, Jesus Christ.
Discipleship & Multiplication
After receiving a shoebox gift, children have the
opportunity to enroll in OCC's 12-lesson follow-up
discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. As
a result of what they learn, boys and girls grow
in Christ and share Him with others. Families
are reached, churches grow, new churches are
started, and communities are transformed.
SHOEBOX STORIES
How a Shoebox Is One Of The Best Evangelical Tools You Have
In every corner of the earth, little ears are eager to hear the Gospel. That’s why Samaritan’s Purse sends gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children in need around the world, together with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each year, we have new opportunities to help children worldwide hear the story of Jesus, and we pray that you will help us in our mission to spread the Good News and Great Joy of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Operation Christmas Child Overview
Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts continue to bring evangelism, discipleship, and the multiplication of believers and churches around the world!
See why you should help us leave a positive impact on the lives of millions of children each year.
See why you should help us leave a positive impact on the lives of millions of children each year.
The Journey of a Shoebox Gift
Teens and children tell the story of Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts from when they pack them to when the gifts are opened by a child in need.
How a Shoebox Helped Claudia Become a Leader For Christ
Claudia's walk with Jesus first began when she grew up in Mexico and received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox when she was seven years old. Inside her shoebox, Claudia found a box of crayons which was the perfect gift item since her favorite activity was to draw. The perfection of this shoebox made Claudia feel seen by God, and she used this simple shoebox gift as the catalyst to a new life led by His Gospel. This profound impact on Claudia's life led her to become an Operation Christmas Child Project Leader for her church, where each year, she helps hundreds of kids connect with God like she did years ago.