Operation Christmas Child
Eternal Treasures in the Trash
1 July 2025
Samaritan’s Purse recently delivered Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children in Ethiopia whose families work at a dumpsite to survive.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It’s a hands-on way for you to demonstrate God’s love to children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and fun gifts. We collect the boxes and distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in vulnerable situations.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child 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.
Are you interested in serving with Operation Christmas Child? Whether it’s packing a gift-filled shoebox, volunteering, leading your church, or donating, we have many opportunities for you to get involved and make an eternal difference!
For $45, build a shoebox online by choosing gifts for a boy or girl. Each shoebox includes essentials plus your selected items. Add a note and photo, and pack for one or more children.
If you are the Project Leader (Group Organiser), please register and we’ll contact you to provide all the information, support and resources you need to participate.
In some countries, local laws make it hard to send shoeboxes. Give a Pre-Packed Shoebox for $40 to help ensure children in these places still receive a gift and hear the Good News.
Every child who receives a shoebox is given the opportunity to attend a 12-lesson discipleship program. Over half make decisions for Christ!!
By serving year-round or seasonal with Operation Christmas Child, you’ll be a part of proclaiming the Gospel in over 100 countries.
Each pack includes 25 pre-printed cardboard shoeboxes, ready to fold and fill. Perfect for group packing or sharing with family and friends so everyone can join in.
Download and order resources to support your promotion and participation of Operation Christmas Child this year. Find flyers, posters, brochures, videos, photos and more.
Join our community of thousands of shoebox packers and see the latest photos and video of children opening your shoebox gifts.
Your donations support shoebox collection, processing, shipping, ministry training, and Gospel materials. You can also donate to a specific area such as The Greatest Journey.