Spread The Gospel & Pack A Shoebox: Everything You Need To Know
Fall is in full swing, which means the Christmas season is right around the corner. It might feel a bit early to start thinking about Christmas shopping, but if you’re planning on packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, now is the time to start!
Each year, Operation Christmas Child shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children in need around the world by gifting them with shoeboxes filled with gifts and items that they might not otherwise have access to. Samaritan’s Purse describes these gifts as “tangible expressions of God’s immense love for children.” Along with the gifts, children and communities also receive “The Greatest Journey,” which teaches them about what Jesus has done for them and how to grow in their relationship with Him.
For over 29 years, Samaritan’s Purse has delivered almost 200 million shoebox gifts to over 170 countries. That means over 200 million children have gotten to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. God is SO good.
So, it might be too early to start decking the halls, but it’s the perfect time to get involved and pack your own shoebox for a child in need. Are you interested? If you are, you might have a few questions. To help with any questions you have, we provided some resources below to help get you started.
Where can I pick up an empty shoebox?
Every Tuesday in October, BRIGHT-FM will be at different locations around our state handing out empty shoeboxes to fill for a deserving child! You are invited to stop by to grab an empty shoebox, and as a “thank you,” Joyride Java will make you a free cup of coffee from one of their mobile coffee bars! For details about where we will be and when, check out our event page!
What should I pack in my shoebox?
When packing a shoebox, you have a few different options. You have the ability to choose whether you would like to pack a box for a girl or a boy, and what age range you’d like to buy for! Below are some ideas on what to get for each age range, along with downloadable lists from Samaritan’s Purse that you can take shopping with you.
Wow item:
- Stuffed animal
- Soccer ball (make sure to include a small, manual air pump)
- Small musical instrument
Personal Care items:
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Blanket
- Bandages
Craft/Activities Supplies:
- Pencils (with small manual pencil sharpener)
- Crayons & markers
- Coloring books
- Notebook
- Stickers
- Playdough
Toys:
- Finger puppets
- Foam ball
- Etch a Sketch
- Interactive toys that include push buttons, lights, noise (include extra batteries)
Clothing:
- Underwear
- Shirts and pants
- Flip flops
- Sunglasses
Wow item:
- Doll/action figure
- Stuffed animal
- Backpack
- Soccer ball (make sure to include a small, manual air pump)
- Small musical instrument
Personal Care items:
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Non-liquid lip balm
- Blanket
- Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils (Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize space)
School Supplies:
- Pencils (with small manual pencil sharpener)
- Crayons, markers, & pens
- Erasers
- Notebooks
- Ruler & protractor
- Pencil case
- Gluestick
Toys:
- Costume items to play dress-up with
- Foam ball
- Yo-yo
- Plastic toy figures
- Hacky sack
- Toy cars
Clothing:
- Underwear
- Shirts and pants
- Hat, scarves, mittens
- Shoes & socks
- Sunglasses
- Tote bags/backpack
- Woven friendship bracelets
Wow item:
- An outfit to wear
- Backpack or bag
- Stuffed animal, dolls, action figures
Personal Care items:
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Non-liquid lip balm
- Compact mirror
- Nail clipper & file
- Stick deodorant
- Washable/reusable menstrual pads
School Supplies:
- Pencils (with small manual pencil sharpener)
- Crayons, markers, & pens
- Erasers
- Notebooks
- Ruler & protractor
- Pencil case
- Solar-powered calculator
- Safety (blunt-tip) scissors
Toys:
- Jump rope
- Binoculars
- Chalkboard & chalk
- Playing cards
- Bracelet making kit
- Puzzles
Clothing:
- Shirts and pants
- Loose-fitting sundresses
- Underwear
- Sunglasses
- Flip-flops
- Wrist-watch
- Hair accessories
Where can I drop off my completed shoebox?
National drop-off week is November 14-21, and Samaritan’s Purse will be collecting all shoeboxes at that time. The full list of drop-off locations will be posted on their website the first week of October. If you have further questions about Operation Christmas Child, make sure to visit the Samaritan’s Purse website here.
Take a look below for a peek inside all the different steps that go into getting a child their gift box and the impact these presents have!
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All images courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse.
