We collected about 300 boxes this year!! They will not only bring joy to the children who receive them, but will give opportunity for the children and their families to hear about the Good News of God's Love!

How a Shoe Box Changes the Life of a Child

The world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, Operation Christmas Child, uses gift-filled shoeboxes to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world.

 Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.

Blesses children with joy, hope, and love.

Their shoebox is the first gift many children have ever received! The treasures and personal letters inside communicate that someone cares for them and give them an opportunity to experience the love of God.

Read more about this opportunity to share God's love at: 
                          www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC

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How to Pack a Shoebox

Let's get started...

First, find a regular size shoebox or a sturdy plastic container (shoe box size) with a lid. You can wrap the box and lid separately if you choose.  Then, using the packing label (available at the above website), decide if you wish your box to go to a boy or a girl.  Choose the age of the child (2-4) (5-9) or (10-14)  Securely attach the label to the top of the box

Fill it with Fun!

 Now fill it with fun items - like a deflated soccer ball with a small pump.  Or a sweet doll. Or a fluffy, soft stuffed animal. Don't forget pencils, sharpeners, erasers and other school supplies.  Kids in many places are not allowed to attend school if they do not have the supplies.  Their parents have to choose between using their meager funds for food or education.  Toy cars are a favorite, as are sunglasses and flip flops, and balls.  Portable chess and checker sets are great. Yo-yos, harmonicas, combs, toothbrushes, jump ropes, hair ribbons, - let your imagination go as you fill the box.  Please - no war toys, used toys or liquids.  Please - no toothpaste or candy. 

A Final Word...

Write a note to include with the gifts.  Maybe add a photo to send the child.  The notes and photos mean a lot to the children receiving the boxes.  Most important - pray for the child who will receive the box.  Each box given to a child can impact up to 30 people!

Lastly, include your check for $9 (check or money order made out to Samaritan's Purse - no cash) to ship the box.  The nine dollars ships the box to all parts of the world. 

Get it to a Drop Off Location

There is a drop off station near you - where ever you are.  Locations are listed on the Good Samaritan website.  You may also drop it at the church: 3689 Main Street, Walworth, NY  14568. 

The boxes make their final journeys by trucks and elephants, horses and canoes, donkeys and camels, rafts and strapped to a human's back. All so the children can have the box and the love that they bring.

Shoeboxes Send God's Love Around the World
(photos courtesy of Samaritan's Purse)