How to Pack a Shoebox
Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children in need around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes.
Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God's immense love for the child. For many, it is their first gift ever! Delivered by our local church partners, shoebox gifts provide an opportunity to present the Gospel to boys and girls in a clear, child-friendly way.
Find a Shoebox
Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. You can use your own shoeboxes or one of the colorful preprinted ones, located at the entrances to the church or at The Bridge Community Center.
Get Your Label
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 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, school supplies, and personal care items. Don't forget to also include a personal note and photo—sometimes these are the child's favorite things to receive!
Pray
Most importantly, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17) for the child who will receive your shoebox gift.
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.
Donate $10 Per Shoebox
A donation of $10 per box is critical to cover evangelism materials, 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 printed 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 at our Dedication Service
November 17 | 9:30 & 11 a.m.
We will dedicate our packed OCC shoeboxes together as a church during the 9:30 and 11 a.m. service. Be sure to bring your packed boxes with you to the service. There will be a designated moment in the service when we'll invite you to bring your shoeboxes forward and lay them at the altar. We kindly request that you keep your boxes with you until the appointed time in the service to ensure that the dedication goes smoothly.
Together, we will pray for the children who will receive these shoeboxes, asking that their hearts be open to hearing the Gospel. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to share the love of Christ during this holiday season
Together, we will pray for the children who will receive these shoeboxes, asking that their hearts be open to hearing the Gospel. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to share the love of Christ during this holiday season
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Shoeboxes
Built by our student ministry for our church to pack and send out! With each box we pack, we bless a child with the Gospel of Jesus.