Operation Christmas Child

Make a difference for a child in need.

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Gift boxes from Northwoods families have reached the far corners of the world, and there have been exciting stories of grace and impact. We’ve even had gift box recipients visit Peoria and have sent a distribution team to give out boxes in India!

Every child who receives an Operation Christmas Child gift also receives the Gospel message in their language. Operation Christmas Child reports that an additional nine people will read that message. Also, many recipients will have the opportunity to participate in a 12-part discipleship program through local churches connected with Samaritan’s Purse around the world. Every year, over 2 million children make a decision for Christ through OCC.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AMAZING JOURNEY OF A SIMPLE GIFT

Build

Brown shoe box on white background with clipping path. For shoes, electronic device and other products.

Find a shoebox

Use a shoebox you already have or pick one up at Northwoods.

Children Kids Diversity Friendship Happiness Cheerful Concept

Girl or Boy?

Choose whether you will pick a box for a boy or girl.

Ages: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14

Fill with gifts

Select a quality "wow" toy such as a doll, ball with pump, or stuffed animal. Then add other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.

Envelope with blank note. Photography in high resolution. Please see some similar pictures from my portfolio:

Pray

Pray for the child who will receive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo.

Please remember to include $10 for shipping or go to the www.samaritanspurse.org website to process your box online.

Want to know where your shoebox was delivered? Activate the sticky label you picked up at church with your smart phone and make your shipping donation. Or, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ to make your shipping donation and receive a printable label.

Buy

Not quite enough time to shop and package a shoebox on your own? Connections Bookstore is offering an easy-button option to make it simple for you to send a gift of prayer and encouragement as part of Operation Christmas Child this year. Lovingly packed with age and gender appropriate items, these boxes will be appreciated by children around the world, especially in these very trying times. They will be sent on your behalf as part of the Northwoods OCC initiative this fall.

BUY A BOX

Bless

Volunteers have been working year-round to fill over 1,000 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. You can bless our collection by donating money to cover the shipping costs for these boxes! You can drop off your donation at any Sunday service during the OCC box collection period, or you may make your donation anytime online by clicking on the box below for the OCC Mission Trip.

DONATE