How to Pack a Shoebox

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children in need around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes.

Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God's immense love for the child. For many, it is their first gift ever! Delivered by our local church partners, shoebox gifts provide an opportunity to present the Gospel to boys and girls in a clear, child-friendly way.

1

Find a Shoebox

Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. You can use your own shoeboxes or order our colorful preprinted ones. Plastic shoeboxes sturdy options hold up well and can be lasting gifts in themselves for children to store cherished items.

Cardboard Shoeboxes

Order

2

Girl or Boy?

Whichever you choose, use the label to indicate on your shoebox whether it was packed for a boy or girl and which age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.

Colored Shoebox Labels

Black and White Shoebox Labels

3

Fill with Gifts

Select a medium to large "wow" item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Don’t forget to also include a personal note and photo—sometimes these are the child's favorite things to receive!

See Our Gift Suggestions

Or download and print our list of suggested gifts.

4

Pray

Most importantly, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17) for the child who will receive your shoebox gift.

Their family to also be receptive to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The pastor of the church who delivers your shoebox gift.
Their community to be transformed by the Gospel.

Join our Prayer Network and receive ways you can continue to pray for Operation Christmas Child.

5

Donate $12 Per Shoebox:

A donation of $12 per box is critical to cover shipping and other project costs. Please donate a minimum of $12 for each shoebox you prepare to help cover project costs--including shipping.

Donate Your $12

6

Drop-Off

Take your shoebox gift to a local drop-off location during National Collection Week, November 17-23, 2025.

Drop-off Locations

After the Shoebox Gift...

Many shoebox recipients are also invited to participate in The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship course where they learn to know, grow in, and share Jesus Christ. Through 12 exciting lessons, the boys and girls often become young evangelists who tell their friends and family all they are learning. These people, in turn, spread this news to still others. This dynamic process of evangelism and discipleship is multiplying churches even to the ends of the earth!