Operation Christmas Child

Since the beginning of Operation Christmas Child in 1993, countless individuals have shared their passion for the project and inspired families, groups, and churches to pack shoe box gifts. These shoeboxes touch the lives of children and families around the world and to bring hope through the Good News of Jesus Christ.

How to get involved:
Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. 

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box. 

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Please donate $9 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. Just write a check to Samaritan's Purse (note "OCC" on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation. 

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop it off at First UMC during our collection week.