“Shoebox gifts are like snowflakes—no two are alike!”
—Franklin Graham, President, Samaritan’s Purse
What is Operation Christmas Child?
How do I Pack a Shoebox?
Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. You can use your own shoeboxes or order our colorful preprinted ones, available in both cardboard and plastic. These sturdy options hold up well and can be lasting gifts in themselves for children to store cherished items.
Get your label from your outreach member or print online - Whichever you choose, use the label to indicate on your shoebox whether it was packed for a boy or girl and which age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.
Fill your box - 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!
How do I Pack a Shoebox?
Pray – Most importantly, for the child who will receive your shoebox gift.
Donate $10 per shoebox - A donation of $10 per box is critical to cover shipping and other project costs. For easiest processing, you can give online through our Label Options or Ways to Give pages, or by mailing a check in the postage-paid envelope available in our print brochure. If you use an online option on the Labels page, you can Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your gift.
Drop off - Take your shoebox gift to a local drop-off location during National Collection Week
Things to NOT Include in Shoeboxes
FAQ
How do I know what climate to pack for?
Unfortunately, we are not able to tell you where your shoebox will be sent before you send it. However, it is our experience that items like hats and gloves are enjoyed in a range of climates. In fact, putting on these items is often the first thing a child does upon opening their shoebox gift. If you do have concerns, we suggest packing items that can be enjoyed wherever the box is sent.
Can we send books?
Yes, books are allowed but please bear in mind that the children may not be able to read English so books with lots of pictures are best.
Can items that include camo be included?
If the child can wear or use the items without looking like a soldier, they are OK to include in your shoebox gift. Pink or colored camouflage is safe as are pencils or wallets.
Can we include batteries?
Yes. However, if the batteries are loose, both ends must be covered with tape.
Can we include tool kits?
Yes, for shoeboxes in the 10-14 age category. The only tools that cannot be included are saws or pocketknives. Please ensure anything that is loose or sharp is wrapped so as not to harm the child when they put their hands in the shoebox.
Another Option for Pack a Shoebox.. Build a Shoebox Online!
Follow Your Box
Shoebox Recipients
My favorite gifts were feminine hygiene items, a toothbrush, and soap. As a young girl, to have nice smelling soap and a nice toothbrush meant a lot to me. I treasured the feminine hygiene items because this was the first time, I had ever received them. They were considered a luxury in my country and weren’t something my parents could afford. Through my shoebox gift, God showed me that He is my Provider. He provided the things I needed in my shoebox. Even though our family was struggling, and I was discouraged, God still took care of us. I learned that God’s provision is always on time, and He will take care of His children
In the box, there were ponytail holders, a toothbrush, socks, and candy.
What caught my eye were a pair of plastic princess shoes. Those shoes were like nothing I had ever seen. They were pink, and I loved pink. I got so excited when I put on those shoes. They were too big, but I still wore them. I tried to wear them as much as I could. I showed them to everyone. As I looked closer through my shoebox, I found a photograph of a little girl the same age as me. She was wearing a tiara that matched the shoes I received. Her gift to me became so personal—I felt like I connected with her. The shoebox was a representation of His love to a young girl. I no longer felt like Jesus had abandoned me.
We were all handed a shoebox and were told we could open them. Inside I found a Woody doll! I stared at it. I couldn’t believe it—I now had something I had desired. But I put it back right away so no one would take it from me. I’d been wanting it for so long. It was a special moment for me because I received something I wanted from someone I didn’t even know. When “Toy Story” came out, we used to pretend that my brother was Buzz Lightyear, and I was Woody because they were almost like brothers. We asked our parents if they could get us Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys, but they couldn’t because of difficult financial issues. My shoebox specifically showed me God’s faithfulness through hardship, illustrating to me that He was going to provide. If He provided in the small things, He would provide in the big things. I was able to appreciate an act of love by someone I didn’t know.
Dana
Alina
Denis