Shoebox Ideas

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“Operation Christmas Child is something the whole church can engage in – both young and old. It also provides a focus with the community, drawing in people of no faith to be involved.”
Rev Sandra Prudom, Minister for Community at Christchurch Baptist Church

Last year 1.12 million gift-filled shoeboxes were wrapped and packed by children and adults in the UK and sent to children in parts of the world where Christmas presents are a luxury they cannot afford.

You can read about how Operation Christmas Child works here.

Blessing for everyone...

The great thing about Operation Christmas Child is that everyone is blessed by taking part:

Your church will be inspired – with faith levels raised and the congregation blessed by being part of God’s global mission.

Your community will get the chance to connect with the church – and maybe even come through its doors for the first time – as you invite them to be part of this worthy cause.

Children in need living in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia will be blessed by receiving gift-filled shoeboxes, a visible reminder that God loves them and that they have not been forgotten.

Check out our Church Booklet for more ideas on how you can use Operation Christmas Child to reach out to your community - including becoming a warehouse or drop-off point.

What's more, by taking part in Operation Christmas Child you will be helping local churches globally to share the Good News of Jesus to children through The Greatest Journey - our 12 series discipleship programme.

Get started today!

Taking part in Operation Christmas Child is simple. Just follow these 3 steps...

1) Order your FREE resources, including our leaflets to help those in your church to pack their shoeboxes.

2) Invite children and families to pack their shoeboxes - either at home or collectively at church - and make a £2.50 donation to ensure their shoebox gets to where it needs to go.

3) We will then give you a call to arrange for your shoeboxes to be collected from your church sometime after November 18th.

Don't forget! The deadline for getting your shoeboxes done this year is November 18th.

Other Resources

• Download our PowerPoint presentation – an excellent way to show your church family how Operation Christmas Child brings hope and smiles to the faces of children in need.
  
  
• Looking for a positive alternative to Halloween? Download our Alternative Halloween Party Plan.
  
  
• Make your Sunday Service geared around shoeboxes with the help of our Shoebox Celebration Guide.
  
  
• If you would like for someone to come and speak about Operation Christmas Child, please email info@samaritans-purse.org.uk.

Please remember to pray...prayer is the bedrock of Operation Christmas Child. Every year we hear remarkable stories of how lives and communities have been touched with shoeboxes and with the Good News of Jesus Chris in answer to prayers.

Watch our new video - 'The Journey of a Shoebox'

Watch our 'The Greatest Journey' video