Operation Christmas Child 
2026

The Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts‑filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene 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 198 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
For the past four years, we have held a church-wide drive throughout the year to collect items and meet on a set date to pack boxes.  

For 2026, we are changing the process to
individual families boxing their own items. 

​The traditional format. ​

What To Do

Collection Deadline
​Sunday, November 15, 2026
1) Find a Shoebox
Start with an average-sized cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. You can use your own shoeboxes or order our colorful preprinted ones, available in both cardboard and plastic. These sturdy options hold up well and can be lasting gifts in themselves for children to store cherished items. The church has a limited quantity that will be set out in October.


2) Get Your Label
The church will provide sticker labels to indicate on your shoebox whether it was packed for a boy or a girl and which age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–‍14. Printable Labels


3) Fill with Gifts
Select a medium to large "wow" item, such as a soccer ball with a pump or a stuffed animal, then fill it 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! Here's a list of suggested items: Gift Suggestions. Here's a printable "Let's Be Friends" sheet.


4) 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.


5) Donate $10 Per Shoebox
A donation of $10 per box is critical to cover evangelism materials, shipping, and other project costs. For easiest processing, you can give online through our Label Options or Ways to Give pages, or by providing a cash/check to the church. If you use an online option on the Labels page, you can Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your gift.


6) Drop Off at PAC
Drop off your completed box at PAC during office hours, on a Wednesday Family Night, or a Sunday morning. The final day for collecting boxes will be Sunday, November 15th. 



Do Not Include
Soap is no longer allowed in shoebox gifts because of the complications it causes in customs in some nations.
SOAP; candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; scary or war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.