About OCC

The Journey of a ShoeboxHow To Do A ShoeboxWhere to Take Your ShoeboxesWhere Your Shoeboxes GoShoebox StoriesThank You For 2011Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about Operation Christmas Child

Our PartnersLocal Events

The following are Frequently Asked Questions about shoeboxes. For Frequently Asked Questions about how Operation Christmas Child works, please click here.

I can't find a shoebox of the right size.

• Donors should use the guidelines on the leaflet and get a box as near as possible to that size. Large boxes cause problems with transport and it is unfair if one child has a bigger box than the others. This is why we ask for a MEDIUM sized shoebox. However, shoeboxes that are slightly above or below the guidelines there is no problem with.
• Our this year include Shoezone & Stead & Simpson shoe shops. They have indicated that they would be willing to give shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child donors - subject to availability.

What items can I put in a box?

• The list of items that can be put in a box are listed here. Also listed are items which cannot be put in a box. If there is an item you are not sure about remember that we check all shoeboxes and if there was something that was unsuitable we would remove it. However, it would still be used for the good of the charity. Your donation would not be wasted.

Can I make a shoebox for a baby?

• Shoeboxes are not really suitable for baby goods as the items that would be of most use for a baby are too big to fit into a shoebox, such as nappies etc. Our partners overseas have not requested shoeboxes for babies and we therefore do not ask for them on our leaflet. However, any which we receive will be processed, but they may be distributed at a later date.

Can I find out where my shoebox went?

• YES - this year for the first time, we are offering this service if you donate your £2.50 online. Simply download and print out the barcode provided once you've completed your donation, then place it inside your shoebox. Once we’ve processed your shoebox and confirmed its destination country, we will let you know by email. (We will aim to do this before Christmas, but it might be January)

Can I go and help in my local warehouse?

• YES - we always need help at the warehouses - there are around 100 temporary checking centres around the UK open for 6 weeks from the beginning of November. Email your Regional Manager or our head office to express an interest and they will send you the name of your local contact.

Do you have speakers who can give presentations to groups and schools?

• YES - in most areas, we have someone available to come and speak. Please get in touch with your local team (as per above).
  

I have some items which I would like to donate to the charity.

• Small new toys & gifts which would be suitable for the shoeboxes can be donated at any OCC checking centre or warehouse. Contact your Regional Manager or our Head Office for details. They cannot however, be left at Drop Off Points. We do not accept any second hand clothes, large or second hand toys. Hand knitted items such as hats, scarves, gloves knitted puppets can be accepted, but not blankets or clothing.
  

Can I write one cheque to cover all the boxes?

• YES you can place this in one of the boxes or post it to our Head Office, Victoria House, Buckhurst Hill IG9 5EX. Cheques should be made payable to Samaritan's Purse. If donors write one cheque, individuals will not need to place an envelope in their box unless they want to receive an e-mail ‘thank you' report after the campaign. In this case, donors should make a note on the envelope that the cheque has been sent separately.

I am a group leader, should I leave the cheque(s)/cash in the boxes or take them out?

• Group leaders should leave cheque(s) inside the boxes so that we can claim the Gift Aid on the cheques. Alternatively, they may post them to the SP Head Office, Victoria House, Buckhurst Hill IG9 5EX. Group leaders may remove the cash from the boxes, if they are going to write one cheque to cover the donation. If this is done, it would help our checkers if a slip of paper was put into each box indicating that a cheque has been sent separately.
• Donors may also give the OCC volunteer driver the money, but all monies must be in a sealed envelope with the amount written on the outside. The driver will issue donors with a receipt if required.