Operation Christmas Child is a fantastic activity for your school. It's simple, easy and gives children here in the UK the chance to directly impact the lives of disadvantaged children overseas. It's also bursting with potential for your curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
We can provide you with all the tools you need to bring Operation Christmas Child into your school, adding value to your curriculum and helping you to deliver educational targets.
Kick start your involvement TODAY:
- Order your FREE resources, everything you need to bring the power of a simple gift into your school.
- Download the OCC PowerPoint Presentation, expaining Gift Ideas and How to pack your shoebox.
- Check out our new Schools Guide to see how Operation Christmas Child fits perfectly with the Every Child Matters scheme and PSHE requirements.
- New to 2009, the VeggieTales are doing Operation Christmas Child too! Use the DVD in your lessons, a perfect way to teach your students the power in giving away Christmas - watch the trailer NOW!
Teaching KS1 or KS2?
We've put together Operation Christmas Child lesson plans, especially for you.
Download Key Stage 1 Lesson Plan
Download Key Stage 2 Lesson Plan
Something for the young'uns
Have you read our Mungo story book? Follow the story of a teddy bear as he travels in a shoebox from a little girl in the UK into the arms of a young boy in Africa - a great story to tell primary school-aged children.
Download Mungo's New Home Power Point presentation
Download Mungo's New Home Story Book - or order your copy with our FREE online resources
Online School Assembly Plans
In partnership with Christian education charity, The Damaris Trust, we have developed two online School Assembly plans. Using popular DVDs, music and Bible passages, this material is ideal for presenting Operation Christmas Child in a fresh and challenging way in an assembly or classroom situation.
Primary School Assembly – The power of a simple gift
This assembly uses the film Toy Story 2 to show that the power of a simple gift depends on how it is received and the attitude of the giver. Click here to view this assembly.
Secondary School Assembly – The gift that gives both ways
This uses the film Finding Neverland to highlight how an Operation Christmas Child shoe box rewards both the giver and the receiver. Click here to view this assembly.
Here's what some teachers and pupils had to say:
“The year six children enjoyed learning about the operation – the way the boxes got there, who they went to. We researched a lot about the lives of others in selecting what went in each box. I really saw them develop empathy and the ability to put themselves in someone else's shoes as they discussed their selections.”
Primary School Teacher
“It is so good for the children to give with no expectation of a gift in return. Over the years we've learned about the tragic situations in other countries through watching the Operation Christmas Chld videos and are thrilled to see the joy that shoe boxes give. We always have a service of blessing for our shoe boxes so all the local churches can get involved.”
Primary School Headteacher
“When I saw the DVD for the shoe box appeal, I was so sad for the children who never had a toy before. The children with no home, living in an orphanage, with no mum or dad. It felt heartbreaking and I was about to cry. I was pleased and happy for this chance to help them. It felt lovely going to buy paper, pencils and toys. I wrapped the shoe box up in paper and I did 5 of them. I felt very proud taking them to school, thinking of the children opening their presents. I also thought about my luck, being given the chance to do this.”
Primary School Pupil