Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is a global outreach ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that shares the love of Jesus Christ through simple gift-filled shoeboxes. Since 1993, millions of people, churches, and communities have packed shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and personal notes, which are then delivered to children in need around the world. Each shoebox becomes a tangible expression of God’s love, opening doors for local churches to share the Gospel and disciple children and their families. More than just gifts, these shoeboxes carry hope, joy, and the message of salvation to some of the most vulnerable children across the globe.
When filling a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, volunteers should choose whether their gift will be for a boy or girl and select an age category (2–4, 5–9, or 10–14). Each shoebox should include a variety of quality “wow” items such as toys, school supplies, and hygiene products, along with smaller gifts to fill the box. It’s important to avoid packing food, liquids, war-related items, or anything breakable. Including a personal note or photo can make the gift even more meaningful to the child who receives it. Finally, volunteers should pray over their shoebox, asking God to use it to bless the child and open their heart to the message of the Gospel.
After packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, volunteers can drop it off during National Collection Week (November 17-24) at Anchored Bible Church Modesto. Each shoebox should be labeled for the correct age and gender, and participants are encouraged to include a suggested donation of $10 to help cover shipping and ministry costs. Upon arrival, friendly volunteers will receive the shoebox, offer prayer over it, and ensure it is prepared for transport to a processing center. From there, the shoeboxes begin their journey to children around the world, carrying not just gifts but the hope of the Gospel.