Operation Christmas Child

The Samaritan's Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, the world's largest Christmas project of its kind, has collected and delivered more than 244 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 175 countries and territories.

In 2025, Samaritan's Purse collected 12.2 million shoebox gifts globally.

PICK UP SHOEBOXES IN THE LOBBY

Please use shoeboxes provided, located in the lobby beginning August 30. Specific information and instructions are included with the shoeboxes. The instructions list suggested items and restricted items. For example, soap is no longer allowed.

FILL WITH GIFTS

Fill your shoebox according to the packing list provided on the information sheet. 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. Use the label printed on the shoebox 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.

DONATE $10 PER SHOEBOX

BE SURE TO INCLUDE A $10 DONATION PER SHOEBOX to cover collection, processing, shipping, Gospel materials, training local churches, and other ministry costs. Place $10 per box inside your gift-filled shoebox (checks payable to Northside Baptist Church). Or, pay $10 per gift-filled shoebox online using the form below.

DROP OFF GIFT-FILLED SHOEBOX

Return your shoebox gift to the Northside lobby through September 27, and our OCC Team will finalize and load up all the boxes collected and get them to the OCC sorting center.

AFTER THE SHOEBOX GIFT...

Many shoebox recipients are also invited to participate in The Greatest Journey, Samaritan’s Purse follow-up discipleship course where they learn to know, grow in, and share Jesus Christ. Through 12 exciting lessons, the boys and girls are trained to share their faith with family and friends.

These people, in turn, spread this news to still others. This dynamic process of evangelism and discipleship is multiplying churches even to the ends of the earth! CLICK HERE for more information.