How to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child

1. Shoebox

Use an empty shoebox (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.

2. Boy or girl?

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 this PDF. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. Fill with gifts

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

4. Include your donation

Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. Make checks payable to Samaritan's Purse with "OCC" on the memo line. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

Give online and track your shoebox. You can give online by using the EZGIVE option. You'll be given a special label to place on your box, so you track where your box is going.
EZGive Option (this link takes you to the Samaritan's Purse website.

5. Drop off

Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and drop off your gift at a collection center. Coram Deo is offering drive-up donation from 10:30–11:30 AM at Depoali School. Or drop off your gift at Sparks Christian Fellowship on Greenbrae from November 15–22 during normal business hours.

Coram Deo, a Christian church that values ministry over mortgages, is joining with other organizations and families across the country to support Operation Christmas Child.

Gift Ideas

Toys

small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

School Supplies

pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

Hygiene Items

toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

Other

full box Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A Personal Note

In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)