Operation Christmas Child

Click the appropriate link on the left to view the Operation Christmas Child video in either the Windows Media Player or QuickTime format.

How do I pack a shoe box?

Begin by finding an empty shoe box. We recommend you purchase a plastic shoe box. You can wrap your cardboard shoe box—lid separately—if you would like, but wrapping is not required. Please do not wrap your plastic shoe box. Instead, you may decorate it with stickers and/or permanent markers if you like (not required).

Decide whether your gift will be for a boy or girl and choose an age category: (2-4), (5-9), or (10-14). Attach the appropriate BOY/GIRL LABEL on the TOP of your box and mark the correct age category.
Click here to view and print the labels (black & white is fine).

What should I put in my shoe boxes?

  • Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, plastic kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, 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, coloring books, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, etc.
  • Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb, washcloth, etc.
  • Other: hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries, ball caps, socks, T-shirts, toy jewelry sets, hair clips, watches, small picture books, etc.

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 who receives your box may write you back.)

What should not go in the shoe boxes?

  • Used items
  • War-related items (toy guns, toy soldiers, knives, etc.)
  • Perishable items (chocolate, canned foods, crackers, etc.)
  • Liquids (shampoo, lotion, bubbles, etc.)
  • Medicines (vitamins, cough drops, ointment, etc.)
  • Breakable items (mirrors, china dolls, etc.)

Click here to view and print the shoe box form. Complete this form and enclose it in an envelope with $5 or more to help cover shipping and other costs. Please place the envelope so it is clearly visible on top of the gift items. (Checks are recommended rather than cash. If you or your family are filling more than one shoe box, you may make one combined donation in a single envelope inside any one of your boxes.) Place a rubber band around your shoe box and lid.

If you are unable to pay the $5 per shoe box to cover shipping, please make the boxes anyway. We will make sure the shipping is covered.