What is Operation Christmas Child?

The Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts filled with fun
toys, school supplies and hygiene items—and delivers them to children in need around the
world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift-filled
shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. Delivered into the hands of children through
local churches, every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share about Jesus Christ and God’s love.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, has collected and delivered more than 220 million
shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Anyone can pack a shoebox. Individuals, families, churches and groups fill empty shoeboxes
with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, such as dolls or soccer balls.
During the November National Collection Week, Samaritan’s Purse will collect the gift-filled
shoeboxes at over 4,700 drop-off locations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Important Dates:

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Kick-off – October 20, 2024

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Collection – Sunday MORNING- November 24, 2024