What is Operation Christmas Child?
This Samaritan’s Purse project 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.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, has collected and delivered more than 198 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, the project expects to collect its 200 millionth gift-filled shoebox!
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. Do not include candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war‑related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; seeds; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items, such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans. Learn how to pack a shoebox, view gift suggestions, and get your Follow Your Box label at samaritanspurse.org/occ.
VOLUNTEER RELATIONS:
Collection Network How-to Training Videos Creating an impactful donor experience is key to the success of any drop-off. In this course, you will learn the four key components to ensuring a positive donor experience:
- A personal greeting
- An invitation to learn more
- An offered prayer
- A warm thank you
Remember, each donor and each shoebox gift is a Gospel Opportunity.
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Packing shoeboxes into cartons is one of the most important tasks completed at a drop-off. In this course, you will learn the key steps to correctly pack a carton. Remember, if we pack the shoeboxes well into cartons, we have the potential to save a significant amount in shipping expense for Samaritan’s Purse, which means more children can hear the Good News and Great Joy of the Gospel!
View the job descriptions to find your best fit: