Operation Christmas Child
Help us fill shoeboxes with joy and love for children in need. Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God’s immense love for the child. For many, it is their first gift ever! Shoebox gifts provide an opportunity to present the Gospel to boys and girls in a clear, child-friendly way.
Important Dates
- Start date: September 29th
- Deadline: November 17th – Shoeboxes must be returned by this date
How to participate
1. Grab a shoebox
Shoeboxes will be available in the church lobby anytime after September 29th
2. Grab a label for the shoebox
This will let us know who the box was packed for.
- Ages
- 2-4
- 5-9
- 10-14
- Gender
3. Fill The Shoebox
Let the following lists organized by gender spark your creativity about what to include in your shoebox gifts. As an optional resource, Operation Christmas Child now also has an Amazon storefront with additional lists of quality items that are recommended for shoeboxes. As you shop, don’t forget to ask God to lead you to what will particularly delight the heart of a child!
A “WOW” Item
- Doll
- Large Toy
- Soccer Ball and Pump
- Stuffed Animal
- Musical Instrument
Personal Care Items
- Comb or Brush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Comb and brush
- Nail clipper and file
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
School Supplies
- Pencils, sharpener, and erasers
- Pencil container
- Pens
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Index cards
- Calculator
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Glue stick
- Small adhesive tape
- Drawstring bag
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
- Flip-flops or shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Wristwatch
- Costume jewelry
- Hair accessories
- Clothing and undergarments
- Winter cap, scarf, and mittens
GAMES & ACTIVITIES
- Puzzles
- Coloring books or pads
- Dry watercolor set
- Binoculars and compass
- Musical instruments
- Chalkboard and chalk
- Jump rope
- Stickers
- Games
Toys
- Small ball
- Building blocks or LEGO® sets
- Slinky® or yo-yo
- Plastic animals
- Magnets
- Finger puppets
- Interactive toys
- Other small toys and figures
What NOT to Include
- Food, candy, or gum
- Toothpaste
- Used or damaged items
- Scary or war-related items
- Wearable traditional camouflage
- Seeds or organic matter
- Liquids
- Medication
- Money
- Breakable items
- Matches, fire starters, or aerosols
- Knives, saws, or razor blades
A “WOW” Item
- Small backpack
- Soccer ball and pump
- Stuffed animal
- Hobby kit
- Large toy truck or car
- Other large toy
Personal Care Items
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Comb and brush
- Nail clipper and file
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
School Supplies
- Pencils, sharpener, and erasers
- Pencil container
- Pens
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Index cards
- Calculator
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Glue stick
- Small adhesive tape
- Drawstring bag
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
- Flip-flops or shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Wristwatch
- Clothing and undergarments
- Winter cap, scarf, and mittens
GAMES & ACTIVITIES
- Puzzles
- Coloring books or pads
- Dry watercolor set
- Binoculars and compass
- Musical instruments
- Chalkboard and chalk
- Jump rope
- Stickers
- Games
Toys
- Small ball
- Building blocks or LEGO® sets
- Slinky® or yo-yo
- Toy cars
- Plastic animals
- Magnets
- Interactive toys
- Other small toys and figures
What NOT to Include
- Food, candy, or gum
- Toothpaste
- Used or damaged items
- Scary or war-related items
- Wearable traditional camouflage
- Seeds or organic matter
- Liquids
- Medication
- Money
- Breakable items
- Matches, fire starters, or aerosols
- Knives, saws, or razor blades
4. Pray over the box
Most importantly, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) for the child who will receive your shoebox gift. Specifically, pray for Their community to be transformed by the Gospel. Pray for their family to also be receptive to the Good News of Jesus Christ and pray for the pastor of the church who delivers your shoebox gift.
5. Return the shoebox
Return the shoebox to the church no later than November 17th
Other Ways To Participate
If you don’t want to fill a shoebox but still want to participate, you can donate money and we will fill shoeboxes with the money received.