Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child Logo
Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Shoeboxes are packed with gifts of small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, t-shirts and sunglasses, etc. Every box is delivered with love AND with a gospel message! For more information, please visit the Operation Christmas Child official website.

What Can I Donate?

We are collecting year round for our packing party each November. Items with a * are needed most. All items should be new. Drop off donations in Fellowship Hall.

Most Needed Items

Crayons*
Notebooks*
Water bottles*
Markers*
Wow items*
Colored pencils*
Soap*
Flashlights that use AA batteries*

Other Items to Donate:

Plastic shoe boxes
We always need containers to pack items in.
Clothes
There are a wide variety of clothing items appropriate for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes! For example:

T-shirts – Shirts without writing are best. English is not the primary language in many of the OCC countries and kids may not even understand what is written on their shirts. There’s also a culture gap.

Shorts, especially those with elastic waistbands so they last and fit longer.

Skirts, especially with elastic waistbands

Hats

Flip Flops/Shoes – These are especially important because shoes help kids who have to walk long distances to get to school or to get water from a well.

Socks – These are key…it gets cold at night even though the days are hot.

Handmade “Pillowcase” Dresses

Bandanas

Gloves/Mittens

Belts

Sundresses

Toys
Not sure what toys to donate? One meaningful gift is a soccer ball and pump, an incredible gift to give because a child can share it with friend.

Coloring Books
Small Cars/Dolls
Trucks
Jump Rope
Paddle ball
Slinkies
Small Stuffed Animal
Dominos/Marbles
Yo-yos
Puzzles
Beach Balls/Balls with pump
Hacky Sack
Small Etch a Sketch
Small instrument/ Kazoo
Craft Kit
Ball and jacks
Checkers
Tic-Tac-Toe

Hygiene Items
Toothbrush* (No toothpaste)
Bar soap
Washcloth*
Hand towel
Hair brush/comb
Compact mirror

A few things to note:

  • Liquids are not accepted.
  • Wet wipes are accepted however because wet wipes do not have enough liquid to spill out into the shoebox so they are OK to include in your gift.
  • Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone.
  • Toothbrushes can only be accepted if they are in SEALED packing. That means if you buy a five-pack of toothbrushes, please leave them packaged…one child will receive all five. But that’s ok - those toothbrushes may be all the entire family ever has.
School Supplies
Paperpads/Steno books*
Pencils*
Sharpeners*
Pens
Crayons (Crayola brand, others will melt)
Erasers
Markers
Mini Stapler/staples
Ruler
School Scissors
Small journals
Ruler
Watercolors
Pencil Case
Solar calculator
Other Items
Stickers
Sunglasses
Playing Cards
Small picture books
Activity books
Tote/drawstring bags
Wallets
Cups
Bowls
Spoons
Flashlight with batteries
Tape measure
Waterbottle
Fishing line/ supplies
Compass
Jewelry
Sewing kit
Manicure kit

Don’t forget “Wow” items

Wow items surprise and delight a child. Some great items to include are:

wow items toys
no toothpaste or candy Please keep in mind the size of a shoebox when making purchases.

NO liquids or candy of any kind including toothpaste.

God has already chosen a child to receive your shoebox. Thank you.

 

Make it Yourself

Here are some ideas for creating your own shoebox items.

Find more ideas on pinterest