Operation Christmas Child

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother in need
but shows no compassion, how can God’s love be in that person?”
1John 3:17

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A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children’s lives all over the world in Jesus’ Name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.

In 2023, UPC packed 206 shoe boxes gifts for children in need around the world. This brings our total since 2005 to 3,910 children who have heard the good news of Jesus and had their lives enriched by our love and donations through OCC.  

Gift Suggestions

TOYS: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, recorders, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), and glow sticks.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, scissors, coloring and picture books, and water colors, etc.

NON-LIQUID HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrushes, combs, washcloths, lip balm (non-liquid), washable/reusable cloth menstrual pads, etc.

LIFE SKILLS ITEMS: Tool kits without razors, saws or knives – hammers, nails, screwdrivers, etc. are all fine.; sewing kits (1-2 yards of fabric, thread, ribbon, thimble, buttons); gardening kit with gloves & trowel (no seeds)

ACCESSORIES: t-shirts, pants, shoes, underwear, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.

A PERSONAL NOTE: 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 be able to write back.

DO NOT INCLUDE: 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.

 

To read stories of actual shoebox recipients, follow these links:

Alex and candy cane                                            Yulia and a puppy

Nanor and a doll                                                   Inira and a pencil sharpener

Nadia and a doll                                                    Vladimir and the dental floss

Jaki and a toothbrush

Shanika and Sherika and the notebooks   

For more information:  Operation Christmas Child at Samaritan’s Purse

Ways you can help

  1. Donate financially:  It costs approximately $10.00 to ship each box.  You can also donate toward the purchase of items to fill the boxes.
  2. Donate Filler items: school supplies, toys, hygiene items, clothing
  3. Volunteer: Come to the Packing Party on Saturday, November 18th from 10:00AM – 1:00PM.  Bring friends.
  4. Spread the word: Tell others about OCC
  5. Purchase UPC Shopper Gift cards.  Profit from this fundraiser help pay for shipping the boxes.
  6. Pray for this ministry