Project Leader Checklist:

Step 1: Form a Plan

Prayerfully set a shoebox goal.

Setting a goal is important because it motivates participants and helps you adapt activities as you chart the progress toward the goal.
To reach your goal, will you invite individuals and families to pack their own shoebox gifts?
Or, will you organize and host a packing party for your group? If yes, download our editable packing party signs.

Bonus idea: Download and print the Project Leader Timeline.

How will you collect the $10 per shoebox shipping donation?

By individual shoebox packers attaching the donations to their gifts
By creating your own fundraising webpage?

Cast vision and discuss plan with church or group leadership.

Download our Taking Operation Christmas Child Churchwide resource.

Bonus idea: Make packing easier—collect items year-round! Get ideas for how to launch the project for your church or group.

Step 2: Get the Word Out

Implement the promotional plan.

Use a selection of Operation Christmas Child brochures, promotional inserts, web banners, videos, photos, etc., from the Resources and Ideas Hub.
Share stories, photos, and videos from Operation Christmas Child’s webpages.

Review the steps of packing a shoebox.

Be able to demonstrate how to pack a shoebox. Know what can and can’t be packed.
Emphasize the importance of including a “wow” item and $10 shipping donation in each shoebox.

Bonus idea: Host a promotional activity, such as a Project Launch Event or World Café.

Step 3: Collect and Celebrate

Collect and Celebrate What God has Done!

Host a Celebration Event.
Collect shoeboxes in a high traffic area so people will notice as more gifts are collected.
Share your photos with @OCC_Canada, using the hashtag #ilovepackingshoeboxes.
Bring gift-filled shoeboxes to the drop-off location nearest you, open annually during National Collection Week (the third week in November).

Bonus idea: Serve year-round and coordinate a shoebox drop-off location during National Collection Week.

Don't forget!

Donation increase to $10 per shoebox gift

A $10 donation per shoebox gift is critical to cover shipping and other ministry expenses.

Discover the destination of your online shoebox gift!

When you pack your online shoebox(es) with us, select the "Follow my shoebox" checkbox. We will email you when we know which country your shoebox(es) will be sent to. The email will share about the impact that shoebox gifts are having on children, their country, and the spreading of the Gospel message. Learn more at packabox.ca

New Children’s Resources available!

Operation Christmas Child is a great mission project for kids! Whether you are focusing on packing shoeboxes as a family or as a group during Sunday school, children’s church, or VBS, these Children’s Resources will help your boys and girls learn more about the importance of giving in Jesus’ Name.