Operation Christmas Child 2023
The mission of Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is to provide 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.
Shoebox gifts are blessing children with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and fun gifts, but also opening opportunities for the Gospel to be shared. Many of the children who receive shoeboxes are offered to participate in a 12-lesson discipleship program called The Greatest Journey. Children who participate in the program learn how to follow Christ and share Him with others. As they do, entire families and communities are transformed by the power of the Gospel, and churches are started.
More than 31 million children have enrolled in The Greatest Journey since 2009 and over 15 million children have made decisions to follow Jesus in more than 100 countries!
A simple gift-filled shoebox is making an eternal difference. Will you pack a shoebox this year and share the hope of Jesus with children all over the world?
Shoebox gifts are blessing children with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and fun gifts, but also opening opportunities for the Gospel to be shared. Many of the children who receive shoeboxes are offered to participate in a 12-lesson discipleship program called The Greatest Journey. Children who participate in the program learn how to follow Christ and share Him with others. As they do, entire families and communities are transformed by the power of the Gospel, and churches are started.
More than 31 million children have enrolled in The Greatest Journey since 2009 and over 15 million children have made decisions to follow Jesus in more than 100 countries!
A simple gift-filled shoebox is making an eternal difference. Will you pack a shoebox this year and share the hope of Jesus with children all over the world?
What to Do
- Start with a regular sized shoebox about the size of an A4 page or order pre-printed shoeboxes online.
- Choose a boy or girl and age group (2–4, 5–9, or 10–14) and fill your shoebox with fun toys, clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies. Include a “wow” item such as a doll, soccerball with pump, or stuffed animal; then personalise your gift by including a note and photo.
- A donation of $12.50 per box is essential to cover shipping and other project costs. For easiest processing, you can give online through our website, or you can give by completing the form in our print brochure and enclose in your shoebox gift. If you use our online option, you can Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your gift.
- Every shoebox gift must be clearly labelled. Visit the Donations & Labels page on our website to order your labels when you make your $12.50 donation, or use the label included in our print brochure. Please ensure the label clearly indicates if you packed for a boy or girl and which age category, then stick it on your shoebox!
- Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your shoebox gift and for their family and community to be transformed by the Gospel.
- Take your shoebox gift to a local drop-off location during National Collection, 23 Oct - 4 Nov. Visit our website to find one near you.
Packing Suggestions
If you are wondering what can and can't be included in each shoebox, here are some suggestions. Either click on the link below for a nifty list of suggestions based on ages and gender, or browse the picture right here.
Remember, this is not just an opportunity to bless a child this Christmas, but it is a chance to introduce a child to Jesus. After receiving their shoebox, each child is invited to a series of 12 studies that tell them who Jesus is and what He has done for them.