About OCC

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Giving a shoebox gift to a child in need is simple with Operation Christmas Child.

(i)You wrap and pack it;
(ii) We check and send it;
(III) Our in-country partners deliver it to a child in need.

It starts in your hands and ends up in theirs.

See below for how to do a shoebox in 5 simple steps (or click here to create a shoebox online which we will then send out to a child):

1. Find an empty shoebox

The shoebox should ideally be medium size, as shown. Wrap the lid and the box separately in wrapping paper (before going on to insert your gifts).

2. Decide if your gift is for a boy or girl

Click here to download a copy of our girl/boy stickers (or click here to save and download seperately). Then tick the appropriate age box on the sticker provided, remove it from the leaflet and stick on the outside of the lid (top right). Make sure the label is secure. (Click here if you want to download a copy of our entire leaflet)

3. Fill your box with gifts

You can use the gift ideas list found here for inspiration. Please DO NOT include items in the 'No Thanks' box. 

4. Make your donation

We suggest a minimum of £2.50 donation per shoebox - which helps ensure your shoebox gets to where it needs to go. Please donate online if at all possible - so we can tell you where your shoebox went. If not, please complete the donation slip from the downloaded OCC leaflet, enclose a cash or cheque donation, and then place the payment/slip in your shoebox on top of the contents.

5. Drop off your shoebox

Ensure your shoebox is secured with a rubber band around the outside.Take your shoebox to your nearest drop off point between November 1st - 18th. You can use our online locator to find your nearest drop off point.

To find out what happens next, visit our The Journey of a Shoebox page...