It's time to pack shoeboxes!
Praise God for Samaritan’s Purse! After all of the years of participating with the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, we are now getting to experience the other ministries this great organization provides. What a blessing they were to our community following Hurricane Idalia in 2023!
If you would like to participate, stop by the church lobby and grab a box…or two!
We ask that all boxes and/or donations be turned in no later than October 9th.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact us.
If you would like to participate, stop by the church lobby and grab a box…or two!
We ask that all boxes and/or donations be turned in no later than October 9th.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact us.
What is Operation Christmas Child?
The idea is simple. Children and adults wrap and pack shoeboxes with a range of gifts. We collect these gift-filled shoeboxes, and after processing for export purposes, we send them overseas where local churches distribute them to children, on the basis of need alone. Each shoebox is an unconditional gift, given to a child with nothing asked for, or expected in return; no pledges, no obligation to go to church or attend classes; ‘no strings attached’.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to show God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, more than 220 million children in over 170 countries have experienced God's love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to show God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, more than 220 million children in over 170 countries have experienced God's love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child.
How to Pack a Shoebox
1. Get a Shoebox
Starting Sunday, August 18, you can grab an approved box from our church lobby. The box will contain some information papers that need to be completed.
2. Get Your Label
We will provide you with a label. Upon drop-off, indicate on your shoebox whether it was packed for a boy or girl and which age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.
3. Fill with Gifts
Select a medium to large "wow" item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Don’t forget to also include a personal note and photo—sometimes these are the child's favorite things to receive!
Do not include: war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures, candy, liquids of any kind, toothpaste or breakable items.
Do not include: war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures, candy, liquids of any kind, toothpaste or breakable items.
- Colored Crayons
- Coloring Book
- Comb
- Composition Book
- Hairbrush
- Metal Spoon
- Pencils + Sharpener
- Scissors
- Soap & Washcloth (in Ziploc bag)
- Toothbrush
- Calculator
- Clothes/Shoes
- Deck of Cards
- Deodorant
- Doll
- Dominoes
- Harmonica
- Jacks
- Jewelry
- Jump Rope
- Manicure Set
- Ponytail Holders
- Sewing Kit
- Small Cars/Trucks
- Sunglasses
- Yoyo
4. Pray
Most importantly, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17) for the child who will receive your shoebox gift.
Please also pray for:
Please also pray for:
- Their family to also be receptive to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
- The pastor of the church who delivers your shoebox gift.
- Their community to be transformed by the Gospel.
5. Donate Towards Shipping Costs
A donation of $10 per box is critical to cover shipping and other project costs. For easiest processing, you can give using the link below.
6. Drop Off at Calvary
Bring your shoebox gift(s) to Calvary by October 9. Shoeboxes can be left in the church lobby on Sundays or dropped by the church office during the week.
Donate to assist with shipping costs.
Each box costs $10 to ship. Your donations are critical for Operation Christmas Child shoebox collecting, processing, and shipping, as well as ministry partner training and Gospel materials.