Operation Christmas Child

What is OCC?

Samaritan’s Purse sends gift-filled Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes to children in need around the world, together with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Since 2006, we have sent nearly 11,000 shoebox gifts.

By filling ordinary shoeboxes full of toys and other fun items, you can be part of giving boys and girls what may be their first gift ever! Local churches in more than 100 nations hand out these Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts at festive outreach events where the Gospel is presented in a child-friendly way. Each box bursting with items such as a soccer ball, doll, or stuffed animal becomes a tangible expression of God’s love to the child, their family, and their community. For many of these children, it is their first gift ever!  Many shoebox recipients also participate in a 12-lesson follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey.

Get Involved

Pack A Shoe Box

  • Find a Shoebox

    Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. You can use your own shoeboxes or pick up our colorful preprinted ones.  These sturdy options hold up well and can be lasting gifts in themselves for children to store cherished items.

  • Stuff Your Box

    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! Click here for more direction on what to include, and what to avoid!

  • Add Your Label

    Labels are always available in the church office and are used to indicate whether it was packed for a boy or girl and which age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–‍14.

  • 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.

  • Drop-Off

    Take your shoebox gift to The Village Church anytime before November 22, 2026.

  • Optional: Donate

    A donation of $10 per box is critical to cover evangelism materials, shipping, and other project costs.  For easiest processing, you can give online.

    For Checks: make payable to SAMARITAN'S PURSE, Memo: Operation Christmas Child) in the postage-paid envelope available from the church.

    If you use an online option on the Labels page, you can Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your gift.

Join our OCC Angel Team

Our Operation Christmas Child Angel Team works year around to help fund starter items for shoeboxes, plan special OCC events, and raise awareness.  The group meets at 1:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in room 101.  To join the Angel Team, contact Tom.

Join the Team

Go On Mission

 

Every year, we take two trips to process shoebox gifts for shipping at the Charlotte OCC Processing Center.  Join as we prepare shoeboxes from around the country to be shipped overseas. Cost is approximately $400 per person for hotel, meals, transportation, and activities, which include a visit to The Billy Graham Library and other Charlotte attractions. 

Apply