Every 3rd Saturday
Guide to
Operation Christmas Child Year-Round
Shoebox Shopping, Packing, & Tips
Savvy shoppers know that they can impact more children around the world for eternity by looking for shoebox items throughout the year. Check out our packing guide for the suggested item of the month. You can use this guide to help put together shoebox gifts that are sure to bless and delight boys and girls. #OCCitemofthemonth
January
Hats, Gloves, & Scarves
“The best thing I got in my shoebox was the hat, gloves, and scarf. I’ve worn them for a long time and like them very much.”
– Marina, Moldova
February
Watches, Hairbows, Sunglasses, & Jewelry
“I was always late because I lacked a watch. Opening my shoebox gift, I found one. Now I am always on time for school.”
– Niyonkuru, Burundi
March
Quality Crafts
“I was always late because I lacked a watch. Opening my shoebox gift, I found one. Now I am always on time for school.”
– Niyonkuru, Burundi
April
Stuffed Animals
“When I lifted the lid on my purple plastic shoebox, the first thing I saw was a stuffed dog. I was filled with exuberant joy! I just remember hugging it.”
– Yuliya, Central Asia
May
Hygiene Items
“The toothbrush meant a lot because before I had to share my toothbrush with 25 other girls.”
– Yuri, Honduras
June
Toys
“The slinky was fascinating to me. We loved to send it down the steps and we played a lot of games with it. It was a simple toy but it was my favorite in the box.”
– Devon, Grenada
July
Clothing Items
“One of my favorites in my shoebox was white socks because in the orphanage you get bad quality socks that always stink and have holes in them.”
– Timur, Central Asia
August
School Supplies
“My favorite items in my shoebox were school supplies. They were really important to me because it meant I could go to school.”
– Luis, Panama
September
Games
“At first we had no idea what (the Etch A Sketch) was. After having it displayed on a shelf for a couple of months, my sister was dusting and she turned the knobs. When she saw the line going up and down on the screen she was so excited.”
– Yuliya, Central Asia
October
Letter & Photo
“One thing in the box I won’t forget was a picture of a girl and her letter: Heather Roberts from Enon, Ohio. We started writing letters and to this day, nearly 20 years later, we’re friends.”
– Nanor, Middle East
November
$9 Donation
“To have the shipping money, I stopped drinking soda or tea at restaurants. It saves about $2 anytime we go out. I put that $2 in my change jar.”
– Cathy W.
December
Prayer
“The most important thing you can send with a box is prayer.”
– Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan's Purse
