ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the fifth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Denis -and- A Cowboy Woody from “Toy Story” reminded me of God’s faithfulness

Growing up in Honduras, my brother and I only had to one toy to play with—a plastic soccer ball that cost less than 50 cents. When “Toy Story” came out, we used to pretend that my brother was Buzz Lightyear and I was Woody because they were almost like brothers. We asked our parents if they could get us Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys, but they couldn’t because of difficult financial issues.

I grew up in a Christian family and attended church. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 5 years old in Sunday school. In 2002, when I was 8, our Sunday school teacher challenged us to invite a new friend to church who didn’t know Jesus.

The following Sunday, I saw a lot of unfamiliar faces in the classroom. I remember my teacher and other volunteers bringing in boxes. I wondered what was in them—I’d never seen anything like them before. Then we were all handed a shoebox and were told we could open them.

Inside I found a Woody doll! I stared at it. I couldn’t believe I held a big Woody in my hands. I now had something I had desired. But I put it back right away so no one would take it from me. I’d been wanting it for so long. It was a special moment for me because I received something I wanted from someone I didn’t even know.

“It was a special moment for me because I received something I wanted from someone I didn’t even know.”

I also remember receiving “The Greatest Gift” booklet that talked about Jesus and different characters in the Bible. They are printed in color now, but I remember coloring the black and white pages. As I did so, it reminded me of every story I’d heard in Sunday school. It helped me memorize the stories I was coloring and grew my knowledge of the Bible.

My shoebox specifically showed me God’s faithfulness through hardship, illustrating to me that He was going to provide. If He provided in the small things, He would provide in the big things. I was able to appreciate an act of love by someone I didn’t know. To this day, this prompts me to participate in acts of love just as Jesus did. It motivates me to be a light wherever I go to help others in need just as I was helped.

“Pull Quote: “If He provided in the small things, He would provide in the big things.”

It’s been 13 years, and I still have my original Woody doll. He used to say, “There’s a snake in my boot!” and other phrases when you pulled a string, but now he has lost his voice. He also had a hat when I got him, but since he loses it in the movie, I don’t feel bad that I don’t have it now.

Recently my uncle asked if I would pass the doll down to my cousin, but I told him it meant so much in my life that I wanted to keep it as a reminder of God’s faithfulness—that He would always be there even in difficult times.

“I wanted to keep it as a reminder of God’s faithfulness—that He would always be there even in difficult times.”

I brought Woody with me when I came to the U.S. to study information technology at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio. I graduated in April and now work in the information technology department at the school.

I give thanks for people who dedicate their time to pack shoeboxes and pray over them. They are used by God to make an impact on children all over the world. They are reaching out to those who don’t know Jesus and showing them His love through shoeboxes.

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#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the fifth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

Help Ecuador Earthquake Survivors Ecuador Devastated by Killer Quake <!--

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A 7.8-magnitude quake rocked Ecuador's coast on April 16, killing hundreds and injuring thousands more. Given the current death toll—over 600—it is the deadliest earthquake to strike the country since 1987.

"The earthquake in Ecuador has caused incredible death, injury, destruction, and loss. We're responding as quickly as possible to help with emergency needs such as water, shelter, and medical care. We help in the Name of Jesus Christ and want to show people His love. Please keep them in your prayers," said Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham.

In a series of airlifts, Samaritan's Purse has sent an emergency field hospital along with dozens of medical staff to treat the suffering in Ecuador. The first of those airlifts occurred on April 20 and the hospital is already operating in the hard-hit town of Chone. Samaritan's Purse utilized a newly refurbished DC-8 cargo plane as transportation.

The emergency field hospital is a mobile unit that gives Samaritan’s Purse a physical location to treat and help patients in need. It has an emergency room with the capacity to see more than 100 people a day, an operating theatre with the ability to perform 7-10 surgeries daily, 20 inpatient beds, and an outpatient clinic with onsite pharmacy.

In addition to the overwhelming medical need, Samaritan’s Purse is also working to bring clean water to 50,000 people and meet the shelter needs of 5,000 households. Materials related to these sectors also have been airlifted.

We are and will be working through church partners as this response develops.

Please remember to pray for the people of Ecuador as they face this disaster. Ask for healing for the hurting, comfort for those who have lost loved ones, and for salvation for those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ.

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ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the third of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Natasha -and- A Tract Natasha received her shoebox in an orphanage in the former Soviet republic of Belarus at age 9.

I was born three years after the 1986 Chernobyl accident released radioactive material into the western Soviet Union and Europe. Due to the radiation, I was born with a short neck—the only one in my family of five affected by the disaster.

My mom and dad worked long hours at a tire factory where they made tires for buses and 18-wheelers. My grandma, my dad’s mom, lived with us and cared for me and my younger brother from the time I was born until I went into first grade. We also grew our own vegetables which were our staple for survival throughout the year.

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At age 5, doctors discovered that I had a hole in the roof of my mouth. When I had surgery on this internal cleft palate, I missed so much school I had to repeat kindergarten.

“It wasn’t just my first Christmas gift—it was my first gift ever.”

The next year, I was placed in an orphanage so I could get an education. As hard as it was on my family, my dad knew it was the best thing for me. My first year in the orphanage was horrid. All I really wanted to do was be home with my family. I was depressed and didn’t want to be there. I felt as though the world was crashing in around me.

In mid-December of my second year in the orphanage, my school received beautiful, colorful shoeboxes from America. I waited as the other six members of my class took their boxes before I picked up the last one. It wasn’t just my first Christmas gift—it was my first gift ever. When I held it, there was joy and love in my heart such that I never felt before. I knew there were people out there who cared for me. I was not alone. I was here for a reason. But little did I know that this box would eventually change my life.

“Little did I know that this box would eventually change my life.”

The first thing I found in my box was a can of baked beans. (Rules have changed since then, however, and you can no longer pack food in shoeboxes.) I didn’t know what it was, but my teacher told me it was food in a can.

As my whole class was running around seeing what everyone else got, I just stood in one place in amazement. I couldn’t believe what was going on and what I was seeing in my box. Besides my baked beans, there was a doll, a coloring book, crayons, and hair clips. It took me a minute to let it all sink in. Because of my shoebox gift, I knew that the world wasn’t over yet. There was more to life than what I’d experienced. We were not forgotten. We were still loved.

“Because of my shoebox gift, I knew that the world wasn’t over yet.”

Later that night at the dinner table, all seven of us kids in my class shared the can of baked beans. Everybody loved them, except for me! I thought it was the worst thing I had ever eaten.

As I continued to explore all that was in my shoebox, I came across a small colorful booklet in English. I didn’t understand it, but I knew it was valuable because it was in my gift box. I just tucked it back inside my shoebox and saved it.

For the following four summers after I received my shoebox, I received an opportunity to go to the United States to get medical attention and to get out of the radiation. Over those years, I started to learn English and began to be exposed to church and the Word of God for the first time.

After two short visits to the States, I learned enough English to go back to my shoebox, pull out that booklet, and begin to study it. I realized that the family who packed my shoebox had given me the story of Jesus and His plan for my life.

In the States a third summer, I attended a class at a church where I heard the Gospel in my own language.

The next summer I came, I attended a Vacation Bible School and gave my life to Christ. I am so thankful I was drawn to Him through that booklet in my shoebox and the love I received from my American host family.

Now I live in the United States and recently graduated from Liberty University with a master’s in business administration. I’m praying and hoping I’ll land a job that will not only focus on business, but will allow me to do missions and spread the Gospel to others.

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#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the fourth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Alina -and- A Music Box Alina received her shoebox at an orphanage in Romania at age 12.

When I was just over a year old, doctors told my mother that I would never be able to walk. Not knowing how to care for me, my mother left me in a hospital. Thanks to doctors and nurses who did not give up on me, I began to walk and was placed in an orphanage when I was 3 years old.

On a cold day nine years later, I noticed other kids in the orphanage carrying shoeboxes. I was very curious what was inside them! So I got in the back of a long line and could hardly wait my turn. I was one of the last ones to receive a shoebox.

When I finally had one in my hands, my teacher told us that we had to wait to open them until we were back in our classroom. That meant a seven-minute walk up five flights of stairs. I couldn’t wait that long! I tried to peak inside my box, but my teacher said, “Nope! Close it! We all need to go to the class.”

When I finally got there and opened it, the first thing I saw was a little round, white music box that played Christmas music. I liked it because I could put it in my hat, hiding it from the other orphans who beat kids and checked their pockets in order to take things from them.

When I tucked the music box in the fold of my winter hat, it played music in my ear. I remember kids watching me while I bounced along to the music. They heard the noise, but didn’t see me carrying anything.

Eventually, though, I became careless and an older girl heard the music. She asked what it was and I had to show her. I begged, “Look, you can take whatever you want from my shoebox, but don’t take this away from me.”

“Look, you can take whatever you want from my shoebox, but don’t take this away from me.”

But she took it, stepped on it, and broke it. I was so mad at her for ruining my new happiness— the music box was mine for two days at the most.

The other thing in my box that I especially liked was a Lego man. I liked him because he also was little and I could hide him. I tried not to play with him except when I was by myself, so people wouldn’t see him.

But when I took the Lego man out to play with another orphan, an older girl saw it. The next thing I knew, five older girls ganged up on me and took him. I cried because he was my imaginary person. I had him for about a month.

Even though I no longer had these toys, my shoebox gift meant I was special. I was loved. It meant someone cared for me.

“My shoebox gift meant I was special. I was loved. It meant someone cared for me.”

That same year, I attended a camp where they talked about Jesus. I had heard about God, but didn’t really know who He is. I imagined a huge man with a white beard sitting in a big arm chair looking down at people as little ants.

But a woman gave me a New Testament and explained that I could ask Jesus into my heart. She said I could talk to Him at any time. This meant a lot to me because I talked to myself often—not aloud, but in my thoughts.

Now I knew someone would hear me whether I was sad, happy, or even had questions. The woman told me that God could be my best friend, brother, and even my parent. I thought, Now I can have a best friend with me no matter what!

“Now I can have a best friend with me no matter what!”

When I got back to the orphanage, people saw a change in me. I had Jesus in my heart. No one could take that away from me!

Years later, I had an opportunity to come to the United States to do some translation work for missionaries who had served in Romania. I met my husband and now we have a baby girl. I can’t wait to pack shoeboxes with her one day.

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#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the fourth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the sixth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Azima -and- A Handwritten Note In times of sorrow and grief when I needed to be reminded of God’s love, I would clutch my shoebox close to my heart and pray.

These words have been life-changing to me: “I might not know you, but always know that Jesus loves you and so do I.”

A 12-year-old girl from America wrote that sentence on a note inside the shoebox gift I received at age 14 in Cameroon, a country where West Africa and Central Africa intersect.

I prayed to God that night—it was one of my first times talking to God—to thank Him for my gift. That night, I also asked Jesus into my heart, based on the note and what I had heard during the shoebox distribution.

The words the girl had written helped me to believe that Jesus loves me and nothing can change that. The only verse I knew at the time, John 3:16, came alive to me: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

In times of sorrow and grief when I needed to be reminded of God’s love, I would clutch my shoebox close to my heart and pray.

“I went through my shoebox seeking comfort. I fell asleep with the shoebox in my arms. That happened a lot.”

The same month I received my shoebox, one of my closest friends died of malaria. That night, I went through my shoebox over and over again, looking at the items and seeking comfort. Eventually, I fell asleep with the shoebox in my arms. That happened a lot.

My siblings and I did not have an opportunity to go to church because my father was against that. In Cameroon, religious superstitions heavily influence people’s lives. My father was concerned that bad things would happen to our family if we went against the local traditional beliefs.

My aunt, a Christian, moved in with us when I was 9, five years before I received my shoebox. She would always tell us stories about Jesus. When I was 14, she snuck me and my three sisters out of the house and took us to church. The more we knew about Jesus, the more we wanted to know. I realized that the stories my aunt had told us about Jesus were true.

After that, my sisters and I routinely snuck out of the house to attend church services. It was at that church that I received my shoebox gift. I hid the gift from my father, fearing that I would be punished for having it because I had gotten it at church. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to receive the gift. I had never received any gifts in my life, and I had never before seen many of the items, such as a teddy bear and a diary that had a little lock and key. I kept the handwritten note locked in my diary and looked at it often.

Two years after receiving my shoebox, I dedicated myself to teaching the children in my church how much Jesus loves them. That year I also saw my father come to know the Lord. It started when he caught my sisters and me secretly praying for his salvation.

“The more we knew about Jesus the more we wanted to know. The stories my aunt had told us about Jesus were true.”

He demanded to know, “What is it about this God? No matter how much I stop you all from going to church, you just keep believing. You just keep serving Him. You just keep going to church.”

My aunt kept sharing with him about the love of God. He went from actively opposing us going to church to saying nothing about it. A long time later, he called us together. I thought we would get in trouble for having gone to church again, but, standing in front of a Bible, he asked us to pray. When we prayed, that’s when I knew that, truly, God had reached him.

“God is using you to reach an entire family. The power of one shoebox is that God used it to change our lives.”

I want to say thank you to everyone who is part of Operation Christmas Child—God is using you mightily to reach out to not just a child but to an entire family like mine. The power of one shoebox is that God used it to change our lives.

I want to give other children that gift. When I pack shoeboxes, I make sure to include a note in each one that tells the child that “I love you so much, and Jesus loves you so much more.”

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#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the sixth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

[raw] [/raw] ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the first of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Alina -and- The Princess Shoes The shoebox made me realize that Jesus hadn’t abandoned me. It was a representation of His love for me. [raw][/raw] [raw] [/raw] [raw] [/raw]

Alina received a shoebox at age 5 in a Central Asian country.

My family and I had what we needed, but gifts were a luxury we didn’t always get. So when I received a shoebox gift, I stood there baffled and confused. It seemed impossible for someone overseas, for someone I didn’t know, to send me a gift for Christmas. I carefully undid the tape and unwrapped it. In the box, there were ponytail holders, a toothbrush, socks, and candy.

What caught my eye were a pair of plastic princess shoes. Those shoes were like nothing I had ever seen. They were pink, and I loved the color pink. I got so excited when I put on those shoes. They were too big, but I still wore them. I tried to wear them as much as I could. I showed them to everyone.

As I looked closer through my shoebox, I found a photograph of a little girl the same age as me. She was wearing a tiara that matched the shoes I received. Her gift to me became so personal—I felt like I connected with her.

Before I received the shoebox, I was really discouraged because of the way I was treated for my faith in Jesus. A lot of my teachers lowered my grades for no other reason than they didn’t like me. One time, my teacher grabbed my sweater and pushed me against the wall, demanding, “Where is your Jesus now?”

I remember that so vividly. At that moment I couldn’t help but wonder, “Where is He? Why is He allowing this to happen?” It felt like God was very distant, very far away from me.

The shoebox was a representation of His love to a five-year-old girl. I no longer felt like Jesus had abandoned me.

The box was an act of kindness that represented hope, comfort, and the fact that God is watching over me. My perception of God changed. He became a personal Father to me.

“I still remember what it was like to receive a shoebox. In that moment it felt like God was there giving that gift to me.”

After I received the shoebox, the persecution I experienced for my faith in Him didn’t stop. But my reaction to it was different because of the way God had revealed Himself to me. No longer did it feel like He was looking down at me from far away—He was walking right beside me.

To this day, 13 years later, I still remember what it was like to receive a shoebox. In that moment it felt like God was there giving that gift to me.

As the years went by, memories of God’s love, expressed through the shoebox, stirred up this passion in me to tell children, especially orphans, the Good News of Jesus and to help them feel His love—the same love I felt and still feel.

“God’s love, expressed through the shoebox, stirred up passion in me to tell children the Good News and to help them feel His love.”

I’ve been packing shoeboxes ever since my family came to America. For the past three years I’ve been volunteering at a collection center. Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are gifts that keep on giving. They are a tangible representation of Jesus’ love for me and millions of kids around the world.

These boxes change lives. I’m just one of many whom God has drawn closer to Himself through a shoebox gift.

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#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the first of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

BOONE, N.C., June 27, 2016 —International Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse is deploying a disaster response team along with a tractor-trailer stocked with tools and emergency supplies to West Virginia. Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers will provide aid to victims of the worst flooding the state has seen in a century and the deadliest flooding in the U.S. this year.

The North Carolina-based organization will help residents clean out their flood-damaged homes. Teams will tear out damaged drywall, remove flooring, clear debris and spray chemicals designed to stop mold growth.

A Samaritan’s Purse helicopter conducted a preliminary survey of the damage and assisted local authorities in search efforts Saturday and Sunday. (Available b-roll downloads are listed below.)

“This historic flood has killed at least 23 people and destroyed hundreds of homes,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “We are praying for everyone who has been affected, and we want to come alongside to show them God's love and help them recover from the storm.”

Heavy rains have pounded West Virginia, with the state receiving one-quarter of its annual rainfall in a day. Many homes have been inundated with several feet of water, and the governor has declared a state of emergency in 44 counties.

The tractor-trailer, one of the organization’s Disaster Relief Units, arrived today stocked with heavy-duty tarps, generators and other tools that will aid in the cleanup efforts. This unit and volunteer teams are based at Rhema Christian Center in Lewisburg, West Virginia, Samaritan’s Purse’s partner church for the response effort.

Interview Opportunities: Tim Haas, manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse Bruce Poss, program manager of U.S. Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse (on-site in West Virginia) Samaritan’s Purse volunteers

On-site Media Contact: Kaitlyn Lahm (828.406.0365)

B-ROLL (Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse): Download footage of aerial search efforts and damage assessment near White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Download footage of a Samaritan's Purse helicopter operating near White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Download footage of aerial and ground damage assessment, as well as chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association praying with victims and responders, in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.

A group of chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team is also helping flood victims in West Virginia. They will be working alongside Samaritan’s Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement.

For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.org. Donations to help with the flood relief efforts can be made at samaritanspurse.org.

Samaritan’s Purse has helped more than 29,000 families in 35 U.S. states following floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. Currently the organization’s U.S. disaster teams are responding to the massive flooding in Texas, and recently provided aid to victims of the deadly tornadoes in Mississippi and wildfires in California.

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ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the fifth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Denis -and- A Cowboy Woody from “Toy Story” reminded me of God’s faithfulness

Growing up in Honduras, my brother and I only had to one toy to play with—a plastic soccer ball that cost less than 50 cents. When “Toy Story” came out, we used to pretend that my brother was Buzz Lightyear and I was Woody because they were almost like brothers. We asked our parents if they could get us Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys, but they couldn’t because of difficult financial issues.

I grew up in a Christian family and attended church. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 5 years old in Sunday school. In 2002, when I was 8, our Sunday school teacher challenged us to invite a new friend to church who didn’t know Jesus.

The following Sunday, I saw a lot of unfamiliar faces in the classroom. I remember my teacher and other volunteers bringing in boxes. I wondered what was in them—I’d never seen anything like them before. Then we were all handed a shoebox and were told we could open them.

Inside I found a Woody doll! I stared at it. I couldn’t believe I held a big Woody in my hands. I now had something I had desired. But I put it back right away so no one would take it from me. I’d been wanting it for so long. It was a special moment for me because I received something I wanted from someone I didn’t even know.

“It was a special moment for me because I received something I wanted from someone I didn’t even know.”

I also remember receiving “The Greatest Gift” booklet that talked about Jesus and different characters in the Bible. They are printed in color now, but I remember coloring the black and white pages. As I did so, it reminded me of every story I’d heard in Sunday school. It helped me memorize the stories I was coloring and grew my knowledge of the Bible.

My shoebox specifically showed me God’s faithfulness through hardship, illustrating to me that He was going to provide. If He provided in the small things, He would provide in the big things. I was able to appreciate an act of love by someone I didn’t know. To this day, this prompts me to participate in acts of love just as Jesus did. It motivates me to be a light wherever I go to help others in need just as I was helped.

“Pull Quote: “If He provided in the small things, He would provide in the big things.”

It’s been 13 years, and I still have my original Woody doll. He used to say, “There’s a snake in my boot!” and other phrases when you pulled a string, but now he has lost his voice. He also had a hat when I got him, but since he loses it in the movie, I don’t feel bad that I don’t have it now.

Recently my uncle asked if I would pass the doll down to my cousin, but I told him it meant so much in my life that I wanted to keep it as a reminder of God’s faithfulness—that He would always be there even in difficult times.

“I wanted to keep it as a reminder of God’s faithfulness—that He would always be there even in difficult times.”

I brought Woody with me when I came to the U.S. to study information technology at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio. I graduated in April and now work in the information technology department at the school.

I give thanks for people who dedicate their time to pack shoeboxes and pray over them. They are used by God to make an impact on children all over the world. They are reaching out to those who don’t know Jesus and showing them His love through shoeboxes.

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#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the fifth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

Samaritan's Purse Helps in Jesus' Name

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Samaritan’s Purse shares the eternal hope and peace found only in Jesus with men, women, and children who are victims of war, poverty, disaster, disease, and famine. We work in more than 100 countries, addressing critical needs such as food, clean water, shelter, and medicine. We also help hurting people in the United States, including wounded U.S. soldiers and their spouses and homeowners devastated by natural disasters.

When disasters strike around the world, Samaritan’s Purse responds immediately, quickly mobilizing staff and experienced relief workers to partner with local churches to provide critically needed disaster relief to people in need. No matter where we go to help the least of these, we always go in the Name of Jesus Christ.

We have responded to devastating earthquakes in Haiti, Ecuador, and Nepal; typhoons in the Philippines; and to large-scale refugee crises in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We’re also ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of persecuted Christians, children in poverty, women who are victims of domestic violence, and human trafficking victims.

  Sign up to receive email updates on the work of Samaritan's Purse, prayer alerts, and volunteer opportunities.

<!-- --> Trail Life USA <!-- --> <!-- Trail Life USA --> <!-- --> Introduce Your Troop to Operation Christmas Child

Some of the best outdoor adventures require an investment. The more you give of yourself, the greater the reward. Jesus defined greatness in a related way: “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11 NKJV). The Trail Life calls for servant leadership. The reward is in blessing others.

Operation Christmas Child offers the opportunity to serve children around the world through a simple gift. Your Trail Life USA Troop can fill shoeboxes with toys, schools supplies, and hygiene items for boys and girls in need, giving them a tangible expression of God’s love. Many of these children also participate in our follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey, where they learn to follow Christ and share Him with others.

Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has delivered more than 135 million shoeboxes in over 150 countries. Your Trail Life USA Troop can be a direct part of blessing children through the good news and great joy of gift-filled shoeboxes.

From your Troop to our staff, we are a part of the same team, impacting the worldwide church one child at a time.

<!--Get Your Troop Involved--> Get Your Troop Involved Pack and Assemble

Find empty shoeboxes or small plastic containers and fill them with gender- and age-appropriate items. Set a goal for your Troop and start collecting today! Learn how to pack a shoebox.

Donate to Ship

Include a $7 donation for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other program costs. Write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on the memo line) or give online to discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

Drop Off

Place a rubber band around each shoebox and bring them to one of our 4,000 drop-off locations open during National Collection Week, the third week in November. Find the one nearest you.

<!--Resources to Introduce Your Troop to OCC--> Resources to Introduce Your Troop to OCC Watch Videos <!--

Watch the CEO of Trail Life USA challenge your Troop to pack gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

--> OO.ready(function() { OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer', '45NjhkNDE6IQoRmqWLMwVXoPePVw5G6M'); });Please enable Javascript to watch this video Download videos to show to your Troop Order Starter Materials

Order FREE materials and brochures Order empty shoeboxes for your Troop to fill with gifts

Host a Guest Speaker

Contact your Operation Christmas Child Regional Office to be put in contact with potential speakers including local volunteers, youth who helped deliver shoebox gifts, and even shoebox recipients.

Connect with Operation Christmas Child

Post a picture of your Troop participating in Operation Christmas Child to our Facebook page!

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ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the sixth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Azima -and- A Handwritten Note In times of sorrow and grief when I needed to be reminded of God’s love, I would clutch my shoebox close to my heart and pray.

These words have been life-changing to me: “I might not know you, but always know that Jesus loves you and so do I.”

A 12-year-old girl from America wrote that sentence on a note inside the shoebox gift I received at age 14 in Cameroon, a country where West Africa and Central Africa intersect.

I prayed to God that night—it was one of my first times talking to God—to thank Him for my gift. That night, I also asked Jesus into my heart, based on the note and what I had heard during the shoebox distribution.

The words the girl had written helped me to believe that Jesus loves me and nothing can change that. The only verse I knew at the time, John 3:16, came alive to me: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

In times of sorrow and grief when I needed to be reminded of God’s love, I would clutch my shoebox close to my heart and pray.

“I went through my shoebox seeking comfort. I fell asleep with the shoebox in my arms. That happened a lot.”

The same month I received my shoebox, one of my closest friends died of malaria. That night, I went through my shoebox over and over again, looking at the items and seeking comfort. Eventually, I fell asleep with the shoebox in my arms. That happened a lot.

My siblings and I did not have an opportunity to go to church because my father was against that. In Cameroon, religious superstitions heavily influence people’s lives. My father was concerned that bad things would happen to our family if we went against the local traditional beliefs.

My aunt, a Christian, moved in with us when I was 9, five years before I received my shoebox. She would always tell us stories about Jesus. When I was 14, she snuck me and my three sisters out of the house and took us to church. The more we knew about Jesus, the more we wanted to know. I realized that the stories my aunt had told us about Jesus were true.

After that, my sisters and I routinely snuck out of the house to attend church services. It was at that church that I received my shoebox gift. I hid the gift from my father, fearing that I would be punished for having it because I had gotten it at church. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to receive the gift. I had never received any gifts in my life, and I had never before seen many of the items, such as a teddy bear and a diary that had a little lock and key. I kept the handwritten note locked in my diary and looked at it often.

Two years after receiving my shoebox, I dedicated myself to teaching the children in my church how much Jesus loves them. That year I also saw my father come to know the Lord. It started when he caught my sisters and me secretly praying for his salvation.

“The more we knew about Jesus the more we wanted to know. The stories my aunt had told us about Jesus were true.”

He demanded to know, “What is it about this God? No matter how much I stop you all from going to church, you just keep believing. You just keep serving Him. You just keep going to church.”

My aunt kept sharing with him about the love of God. He went from actively opposing us going to church to saying nothing about it. A long time later, he called us together. I thought we would get in trouble for having gone to church again, but, standing in front of a Bible, he asked us to pray. When we prayed, that’s when I knew that, truly, God had reached him.

“God is using you to reach an entire family. The power of one shoebox is that God used it to change our lives.”

I want to say thank you to everyone who is part of Operation Christmas Child—God is using you mightily to reach out to not just a child but to an entire family like mine. The power of one shoebox is that God used it to change our lives.

I want to give other children that gift. When I pack shoeboxes, I make sure to include a note in each one that tells the child that “I love you so much, and Jesus loves you so much more.”

<!-- OO.ready(function() { OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer', '14N3VzdjrJ4mwuuLh5KFIEezbhCX-uIF'); }); Please enable Javascript to watch this video -->

#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the sixth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

Frequently Asked Questions Operation Christmas Child About Operation Christmas Child

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is a project of the international relief organization, Samaritan’s Purse. Our mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We ship these simple gifts outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.

Can I find out where is my shoebox sent?

Yes! You can Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your shoebox by making the $7 shipping donation online. Just print and attach your unique shipping label to your shoebox gift.

Who started Operation Christmas Child?

The program was started in the United Kingdom in 1990 by Dave and Jill Cooke. Three years after this beginning, the Wales-based shoebox gift project merged in a partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, allowing us to share 20 years of expertise in relief and aid work with the project, and expand the reach of the shoebox gifts to more than 28,000 children that year. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to over 135 million children in more than 150 countries and territories.

Why shoebox gifts?

Shoebox gifts are a way to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

What happens after my shoebox gift is delivered?

Our local ministry partners distribute your shoeboxes to children in their communities. After receiving shoebox gifts, many boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program. Through the program, our local ministry partners are able to establish long-term, caring relationships with children and families by sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Click here to learn more about the eternal impact of a shoebox.

Do you accept shoebox gifts year-round or just in November?

We do accept shoebox gifts at our headquarters year-round. They can be mailed to Samaritan’s Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC, 28607. We also hear of many churches, families, and groups who collect items monthly. It’s good for each shoebox to contain at least one “wow” item, such as a doll or soccer ball, as well as other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. If you make your own year-round packing list, be sure to include a mixture of these items, as well as one month for collecting the suggested $7 per box donation. Here is our suggestion of monthly items for those who would like to pack year-round:

January – Hats, Gloves & Scarves February – Dental Hygiene Items March – Quality Crafts April – Stuffed Animals May – Hygiene items June – Toys July – Clothing Items August – School Supplies September – Games October – Letter & Photo November – $7 Donation December – Prayer

To learn more about year-round packing and other fun tips, click here.

How can I serve with Operation Christmas Child in my area?

Dedicated volunteers work year-round to promote and pray for Operation Christmas Child. Starting in September, people can sign up to volunteer at processing centers as well. Check out our long-term and short-term volunteer opportunities pages. We also have a resource page full of ideas and materials that will help you, your family, church, business, or community center get involved in Operation Christmas Child.

Are gifts delivered by Christmas?

The shoebox gifts are shipped out from our processing centers by the middle of December, and depending on the distance they must travel, some are delivered by Christmas—primarily those in Central/South America and Eastern Europe. Most of the gifts are sent via ship. Although the collection of Operation Christmas Child gifts is during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, the delivery of some gifts is sometimes delayed due to international shipping. They may not clear customs in receiving countries until spring. In addition, many countries that receive the gifts must transport the gifts to rural areas using very poor roads. Distributions typically occur from late December through spring each year, extending the joy of Christmas to children that receive them!

Can I sponsor or adopt the child who received my shoebox gift?

Operation Christmas Child is unable to facilitate this; however, if you are contacted by your recipient child, you may be able to make arrangements to do this on your own. Samaritan’s Purse does have a gift catalog with several items supporting young children, such as a donation for a week’s supply of food for a hungry baby. You can also give a scholarship to a child to participate in The Greatest Journey discipleship program. It takes $6 to provide a child the opportunity to participate and receive discipleship materials including a certificate and New Testament in their language. Donors can fund one child, equip a church, or sponsor a country.

Is this project forcing religion on the child who gets a gift?

Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child seek to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way through each shoebox gift. One of our core values is to never be manipulative. We work in and through local volunteers in each country that understand their context and are respectful to the people they serve. At the same time, we do seek to share the Gospel wherever we go, which can be challenging at times. In some regions, we are not permitted to distribute literature, but we are still grateful for the opportunity to bless the children with gift-boxes carefully prepared by people who love children. Children do not have to do or say anything to receive their gifts.

How to Pack a Shoebox Gift

How do I pack my shoebox gift?

Everything you need to learn how to pack a shoebox gift can be found here. That includes what kind of box to use, what items can be included, how to learn the destination of your shoebox gift, and much more!

Where can I get a box to fill?

You can use any shoebox, cardboard or plastic. Operation Christmas Child also has red-and-green boxes that are also available to order now for a suggested donation.

Where do I get my boy and girl labels?

You can download your boy and girl labels here. Or you can download them through Follow Your Box by making your $7 donation online so you can learn the destination of your shoebox gift.

What items are allowed in my shoebox gift?

You can find a list of suggested items and items not to include here.

What is the $7 suggested donation per box?

The $7 per gift is a suggested donation. This donation makes it possible for Operation Christmas Child to transport each box from the person who packed it to a child who will receive it thousands of miles away. We do accept all shoebox gifts regardless of whether or not they include the shipping donations. We encourage those who are unable to include the $7 per box to consider asking a group in their church or a family member to sponsor the shipping of their boxes.

When is the deadline for sending my shoebox gift to you?

National Collection Week is the third week in November every year. This year, National Collection Week will be November 14-21, 2016, but you may send completed boxes year-round to our headquarters:

Operation Christmas Child Samaritan’s Purse P.O. Box 3000 801 Bamboo Road Boone, NC 28607

Where should I take my packed shoebox gift?

We have drop-off locations around the United States during National Collection Week, the third week in November each year. Find the location nearest to you here.

Where do the shoebox gifts go?

Countries vary from year to year. If you make your shipping donation online through Follow Your Box, you can discover the destination of your shoebox.

Can I select where my shoebox gift is sent?

Our goal is to collect and distribute millions of shoebox gifts in over 100 countries this year. Because of the tremendous growth of Operation Christmas Child, the logistics involved in collecting, processing, and distributing this many boxes prevent us from designating specific boxes for certain countries or climates according to the contents. We can assure you, however, that whoever receives your box will need and appreciate your gift.

Do you redistribute items in the boxes if they are too full?

We understand and respect that you carefully choose the items you include in your shoebox gifts. Volunteers at our processing centers are trained to remove only items on the "do not include" list found on our website. When these items are removed, they are donated to local charities and still put to good use.

Follow Your Box

How do I follow my box?

To learn the destination of your shoebox gift, make your $7 donation online Follow Your Box and receive your shipping labels. After you complete your payment information, you will receive a barcoded label that enables us to track each shoebox gift you pack. Print the label and attach it to your shoebox gift(s). The same label can be placed on all of your shoeboxes. The unique barcode is connected to your email address and enables us to notify you of the destination of your gifts.

How do I print my labels?

After completing your donation, we will send you an email containing your labels. Click the link in your email to view the printable version of your label, right click, and select “Print.” You can also go to File/Print in your browser navigation bar, or hold down the Ctrl and P buttons on your keyboard. From the attachment in your email, click to view the web browser printable link, or save the labels to your computer.

Where is my Follow Your Box email?

Samaritan’s Purse delivers Follow Your Box labels to the email address associated with the online donation. There are a few reasons why you may not have received your labels. Unsubscribing from our emails, typing the email address incorrectly in payment, or email servers occasionally blocking incoming mail could all prevent label delivery. Also, check your spam folder or junk mail inbox. You may need to add info@samaritan.org and updates@e.samaritan.org to your safe senders list. Please email info@samaritan.org or call 828-262-1980 if you need assistance.

I paid for multiple shoeboxes. Why did I only receive one boy label and one girl label?

You will receive one boy and one girl barcoded label that enables us to track each shoebox gift you pack. Your specific barcode is connected to your email address, so you can use this label for all of your shoeboxes. Please print or copy the label as many times as needed and attach one label to each of your shoeboxes.

Will I get an email for each shoebox I packed?

You will receive one email per country where your gifts are delivered, not one email per shoebox. If you packed five boxes and all five were shipped to Panama, you will receive one email. If you packed five boxes and two were shipped to Panama and three were shipped to Mexico, you will receive two emails.

Do I need to include $7 in my shoebox in addition to the printed label?

No. The barcode label indicates that the $7 per shoebox has already been donated online.

Is there a place I can enter my barcode online to track my shoebox gifts?

There is not an area of our website to enter your label number and “track” the progress of your boxes. Instead, you will receive an email from Samaritan’s Purse telling you the destination country of your shoeboxes. After you have attached your barcode label and taken your shoeboxes to your local drop-off site, you do not need to do anything except check your email. Most people who donate through Follow Your Box receive an email around the end of the year, but some go out until as late as February.

Why do they have the same barcode? Shouldn’t they be different?

No, the barcode is associated with your email address. Even if your shoeboxes are shipped to different countries, you will still receive a notification email for each destination your boxes are sent.

Build a Shoebox Online

What is Build a Shoebox Online?

You can still help share God's love with children around the world even if you don’t have a way to shop for and pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. With a few clicks of your mouse or swipes on your touchscreen, you can build a shoebox online. Make it your own by choosing from a list of gifts, and adding a personal letter and photo. We'll pack your shoebox and send it for you, for a suggested donation of just $25. You can access Build a Shoebox Online here.

Can I follow my shoebox gift if I build it online?

Shoebox gifts can be built online here. We will automatically send a Follow Your Box notification to the email address associated with the donation. Many of our shoebox gifts built online are delivered to sensitive countries or hard to reach areas.

Can I choose which country my shoebox gift will go to?

No, there is no way for us to designate the specific country to which the boxes will be sent.

The Greatest Journey About The Greatest Journey

What is The Greatest Journey?

The Greatest Journey is a discipleship experience offered by local churches to many of the children who receive shoebox gifts. The 12-lesson program introduces boys and girls to salvation through faith in Christ and encourages them to grow as faithful followers. This connects children to local churches who can, through discipling relationships, teach and nurture the children in faith.

How can I participate?

The Greatest Journey is an investment not only in children, but also in the teachers and the local churches that can learn, grow, and continue to serve Christ with the momentum that is gained through the program. It takes $6 to provide a child the opportunity to participate in The Greatest Journey and receive discipleship materials, including a certificate and New Testament in their language. You can support The Greatest Journey here.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is a project of the international relief organization, Samaritan’s Purse. Our mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We ship these simple gifts outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.

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In both Europe and the Middle East, Samaritan’s Purse is ministering to people who are fleeing terror.

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South Sudan is in turmoil five years after becoming the newest nation of the world. The joy that independence brought has disappeared as violence recently erupted in the streets of the country’s capital Juba. After heavy fighting, a tenuous ceasefire is holding—for the moment.

Nonetheless, several hundred people are already dead, and thousands more have fled their homes in Juba. A severe food shortage has been reported in the capital. More than 4.3 million people were already facing severe food insecurity and people are becoming desperate as widespread hunger and malnutrition grow.

Samaritan’s Purse has had a longstanding commitment to serving the beleaguered, war-weary people of South Sudan. We’ve been there throughout the country in the Name of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His compassion for more than two decades—serving both refugees who've fled Sudan as well as people affected by ongoing armed civil conflict. Samaritan’s Purse is not suspending services to the vulnerable people of South Sudan. We will do everything possible to continue meeting the emergency needs of the South Sudanese people.

Please pray for the 12 million people of South Sudan. Pray that peace will prevail. Please pray for God’s protection of our staff—that His presence, peace and provision will be experienced. Pray that our staff will be strengthened to meet the needs of so many desperate people.

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ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Elena -and- A Gospel Booklet I learned that the truth of God’s love is better than any fairy tale.

My home in a part of the former Soviet Union was cold and dirty. My mother and father drank all the time. They often left me and my sister by ourselves, sleeping on beds with no linens and without food. We did not attend school until I was 8 years old, when my sister and I were placed in our first orphanage.

When we were moved to another orphanage, we still had to share everything with everybody there. We wore hand-me-downs and shoes that never quite fit. We didn’t have anything to our name. At the time, we didn’t even know our birth dates or how old we were.

I would always read fairy tales to get away from reality. I dreamed of being Cinderella because she went from being a nobody to being a princess.

I had gotten my hopes up that my sister and I would be adopted, but at the last minute the woman backed out. I felt undeserving, that I was a nobody. Why would anyone want me? I lost hope.

When I was at my lowest point—feeling unloved, worthless—God brought me a shoebox. I was about 9 or 10 years old. It was the first time I had received a gift other than candy at New Year’s.

“At my lowest point—feeling unloved, worthless—God brought me a shoebox.”

My shoebox was suitable for a princess—it was pink. I loved pink. One of my gifts was a pink pen with feathers and a dangling heart. I had never seen something as fancy as that.

I also received a teddy bear. I always had to be the strong one to take care of my younger sister. But when I was by myself, I used to tell all my worries to that teddy bear.

What had the biggest impact on me was “The Greatest Gift” booklet that told of Jesus’ love for me. I had never heard about that kind of love before.

“The booklet told of Jesus’ love for me. I had never heard about that.”

I thought it was a fairy tale. The Creator of everything came down and died for someone like me? It gave me hope.

I began to pray for a family, and God provided me a family when I was 12. What’s more, God provided a family who wanted to keep me and my sister together.

The orphanage kept our old clothes for reuse once our new parents arrived in our country to take us home. When they took us shopping for the first time, I was just so glad to get new shoes that I didn’t care whether they fit or not.

So, when my dad removed the first pair of shoes I had tried on at the store, I was upset at first because I thought they had changed their mind. But, in a Cinderella moment, he helped me into another pair, checking that my toes had just the right amount of room to get the perfect fit.

My frame of reference for how a father acted wasn’t a happy one. It was an angry one. When people would tell me that God was my Father, it didn’t have the comforting effect that it did for most people.

At our new home in the United States, our dad—our adopted father—would hug my sister and me and kiss us on our foreheads each night. Then, he would tell each of us, “Ya tebya lyublyu” (pronounced ya teeb-ya lu-blue), which means I love you in our native language.

I had never heard that before. At first, it was strange and scary, but then I started waiting to hear those words each night as it became a tradition of ours.

About a year after my sister and I were adopted, I became a Christian. It took a year for me to realize that I didn’t always have to be on my best behavior just to be able to stay and be loved. I was afraid that if I did something my parents didn’t like, they wouldn’t want me anymore.

Our parents kept telling my sister and me, there are three main things you need to remember: God loves you. We love you. And, there’s nothing you can ever do to change that.

God loves you. We love you. And, there’s nothing you can do to change that.

God’s been working through it all. Not only am I part of an earthly family, I’m part of a heavenly family.

While studying at Ozark Christian College I helped organize shoebox packing parties so other children would learn of God's love for them. Now, as a recent graduate, I look forward to continuing to share His love with orphans around the world.

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#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the 11th of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Mary -and- A Pen As a new believer, I was encouraged by the love behind the shoebox gift

Mary received her shoebox at age 10 in a part of the former Soviet Union.

The pastor opened the sanctuary doors, and we peeked in and saw these beautifully wrapped boxes on stage. We couldn’t believe our eyes. We asked if the gifts were for us, and the pastor said yes. I set my eyes on one particular box that seemed to be the prettiest, and I was really hoping it wouldn’t be picked before my turn came.

When it was my turn, I ran toward that box. The box itself was a gift because it was so beautifully wrapped. The box had a lid that was attached and opened up—I loved it. I used it for many years as my treasure chest.

“I used the box for many years as my treasure chest.”

One of the items I loved most in my box was a pen in the shape of a lizard. Being able to have a special pen to take with me to school was great. In my family, we got the cheapest of the cheapest pens. My family lived modestly. I was born and raised in a big city. We lived in a communal apartment and food was very simple. Everything was very modest.

I became a believer when I was 10 years old, the same year I received the shoebox. I would tell my friends at school about my faith because I wanted them to experience the joy I had. Some of my friends weren’t too crazy about it. They told their families whose perception of Christians came from the Soviet era and its propaganda and lies about Christians. Their parents were really scared that their kids were hanging out with me.

After about a month, even the friends I thought were my best friends wouldn’t talk to me. They decided they didn’t want to be friends with me.

“The friends I thought were my best friends wouldn’t talk to me.”

As a new believer in Jesus, I was greatly encouraged by the love shown through the shoebox gift. It reminded me of the greatest gift of love that Jesus displayed by dying on the cross for my sins and being raised on the third day to conquer death.

As I went through the contents of the box I came across a photo of the family that sent the box. I couldn’t believe a family somewhere on the other side of the world would want to give me something and not even know who I was.

“Inspired by the generosity of this family, I shared some items from my box.”

Inspired by the generosity of this family, I shared some items from my box with people at school. I told them the gifts came from people who were Christians and loved them and loved Jesus.

I came to America when I started college, and the church I attended participated in Operation Christmas Child. I packed boxes there, and when I got married a few years later, my husband and I began packing gifts together.

It’s fun to now pack boxes with my kids. Shoebox gifts are a tangible way for kids to see God’s love. When they hear about His love, they can understand it because they can feel it and touch it.

OO.ready(function() { OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer', '14N3VzdjrJ4mwuuLh5KFIEezbhCX-uIF'); }); Please enable Javascript to watch this video

#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the 11th of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

What Goes in My Shoebox? "Wow" Item

Delight a kid! Start with a medium to large item that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box.

Ideas include: Soccer ball with pump, Stuffed animal, Toys (puppets, trucks, etc.), Doll (baby, Barbie, etc.), Musical instrument, Outfit, Shoes

Other Suggestions

Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.

School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

Non-liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.

Accessories: T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.

Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets. Download instructions here.

A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.

Do Not Include

Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

Girls 2-4 5-9 10-14 A "Wow" Item Doll Stuffed animal An outfit of clothing Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind) Doll (consider including accessories such as a doll clothes or a small doll bed) Stuffed animal An outfit of clothing Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind) Soccer ball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Doll (consider including accessories such as a doll clothes or a small doll bed) Stuffed animal An outfit of clothing Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind) Soccer ball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Personal Care Items Comb Hairbrush Toothbrush(toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone) Washcloth Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container) Adhesive bandages(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.) Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space) Blanket Comb Hairbrush Toothbrush(toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone) Washcloth Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container) Adhesive bandages(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.) Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space) Blanket Non-liquid lip balm Flashlight (solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed) Compact mirror Comb Hairbrush Toothbrush(toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone) Washcloth Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container) Adhesive bandages(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.) Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space) Blanket Non-liquid lip balm Flashlight (solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed) Compact mirror Nail clipper and file Stick deodorant Washable/reusable cloth menstrual pads School Supplies Pencils Small manual pencil sharpener Colored pencils Pencil case Pens Crayons Markers Notebooks Blank index cards Solar-powered calculator Safety (blunt tip) scissors Ruler Protractor Glue stick (do not include liquid glue) Small adhesive tape Backpack Pencils Small manual pencil sharpener Colored pencils Pencil case Pens Crayons Markers Notebooks Blank index cards Solar-powered calculator Safety (blunt tip) scissors Ruler Protractor Glue stick (do not include liquid glue) Small adhesive tape Backpack Clothing and Accessories Shirts and pants Pillowcase dress (non-formfitting sundress) Underwear Shoes and socks Flip-flops Hat/scarf/mittens Sunglasses Tote bag/purse Hair bows Friendship bracelets (woven with yarn or embroidery thread) Shirts and pants Pillowcase dress (non-formfitting sundress) Underwear Shoes and socks Flip-flops Hat/scarf/mittens Sunglasses Tote bag/purse Hair bows Friendship bracelets (woven with yarn or embroidery thread) Shirts and pants Pillowcase dress (non-formfitting sundress) Underwear Shoes and socks Flip-flops Hat/scarf/mittens Decorative hat Wrist watch Sunglasses Tote bag/purse Bead jewelry/bead kit Hair accessories (hair clips, hair ribbons, elastic hair bands, etc.) Crafts and Activities Pencils Small manual pencil sharpener Colored pencils Pencil case Crayons Markers Pens Coloring pads Coloring books Picture book Notebooks Glue stick (do not include liquid glue) Small adhesive tape Watercolor set [Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper] Make-it-yourself craft items or kit Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough) Stickers Skipping rope/Jump rope Coloring books Watercolor set [Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper] Make-it-yourself craft items or kit Puzzles Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough) Stickers Chalkboard and chalk Binoculars Skipping rope/Jump rope Puzzles Binoculars Compass Chalkboard and chalk Sewing kit, fabric (1-2 yards), and ribbon Laminated decorative pictures with looped ribbon attached as a picture hanger Gardening kit with gloves and trowel hand tool (do not include gardening seeds) Playing cards Skipping rope/Jump rope Toys Foam ball Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Finger puppets Slinky Etch A Sketch Interactive toys that include push buttons, lights, noise (include extra batteries) Foam ball Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Costume items to play dress-up, such as crowns and costume jewelry Plastic toys and toy figures Yo-yo Small Frisbee Small kite Etch A Sketch Foam ball Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Yo-yo Small Frisbee Small kite Etch A Sketch Kaleidoscope Marbles Boys 2-4 5-9 10-14 A "Wow" Item Stuffed animal An outfit of clothing Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind) Soccer ball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Truck or boat Stuffed animal An outfit of clothing Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind) Soccer ball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Truck or boat Stuffed animal An outfit of clothing Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind) Soccer ball/football (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Personal Care Items Comb Hairbrush Toothbrush (toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone) Washcloth Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container) Adhesive bandages (Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.) Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils (Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space) Blanket Comb Hairbrush Toothbrush (toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone) Washcloth Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container) Adhesive bandages (Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.) Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils (Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space) Blanket Non-liquid lip balm Flashlight (solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed) Comb Hairbrush Toothbrush (toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone) Washcloth Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container) Adhesive bandages (Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.) Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils (Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space) Blanket Non-liquid lip balm Flashlight (solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed) Nail clipper and file Non-liquid lip balm Stick deodorant School Supplies Pencils Small manual pencil sharpener Erasers Colored pencils Pencil case Pens Crayons Markers Notebooks Blank index cards Solar-powered calculator Safety (blunt tip) scissors Ruler Protractor Glue stick (do not include liquid glue) Small adhesive tape Backpack Pencils Small manual pencil sharpener Erasers Colored pencils Pencil case Pens Crayons Markers Notebooks Blank index cards Solar-powered calculator Safety (blunt tip) scissors Ruler Protractor Glue stick (do not include liquid glue) Small adhesive tape Backpack Clothing and Accessories Shirts and pants Underwear Shoes and socks Flip-flops Hat/scarf/mittens Sunglasses Shirts and pants Underwear Shoes and socks Flip-flops Wrist watch Hat/scarf/mittens Sunglasses Shirts and pants Underwear Shoes and socks Flip-flops Wrist watch Hat/scarf/mittens Sunglasses Bandana Crafts and Activities Pencils Small manual pencil sharpener Colored pencils Pencil case Pens Crayons Markers Coloring pads Coloring books Picture book Notebooks Glue stick (do not include liquid glue) Small adhesive tape Watercolor set [Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper] Make-it-yourself craft items or kit Building blocks Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough) Stickers Coloring books Watercolor set [Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper] Make-it-yourself craft items or kit Puzzles Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough) Stickers Chalkboard and chalk Binoculars Building blocks Tool set Puzzles Binoculars Compass Chalkboard with chalk Tool set with work gloves Fishing kit Brightly colored rope or twine Gardening kit with gloves and trowel (no seeds) Magnets Kaleidoscope Skipping rope/jump rope Playing cards Marbles Toys Foam ball Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Tennis ball Finger puppets Slinky Etch A Sketch Play cars/trucks/boats Plastic tools Plastic dinosaurs Interactive toys that include push buttons, lights, noise (include extra batteries) Foam ball Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Baseball and mitt Tennis ball Plastic dinosaurs, animals, action figures (nothing war-related) Toy cars Yo-yo Small Frisbee Small kite Etch A Sketch Hacky sack Foam ball Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated) Baseball and mitt Tennis ball Yo-yo Small Frisbee Small kite Hacky sack Toy cars ‘Can This Go in My Shoebox?’ FAQ:

Are playing cards allowed? Yes! Playing cards can be included in your shoebox gifts.

How about little toys like spiders, bugs, snakes, etc.? All of those items are allowed.

Can we include batteries? Yes. However, if the batteries are loose, both ends must be covered with tape.

Can videos, CDs, and DVDs be included? Yes, all of these may be included in your shoebox gifts. However, keep in mind that the children may not have a DVD player or CD player available.

Can we include paint sets or glue bottles? No, both of these items are liquids and can’t be included in your shoebox gifts. However, dry paint sets (such as watercolors) or glue sticks are OK to pack!

Can we include a toolkit with nails, screws, screwdrivers, and hammers? Yes! The only tools that can’t be included are saws or pocketknives.

Are scissors OK? Yes! Scissors are OK to include in your shoebox gifts.

Can items with camouflage be included? If the child can wear or use the items without looking like a soldier, they are OK to include in your shoebox gift. Pink or colored camouflage is safe as are pencils, wallets, or socks.

Are squirt guns allowed? Squirt guns can be included as long as they do not look like real guns. Brightly colored squirt guns are great to pack in your shoebox gift.

Can glow sticks go in a shoebox gift? Yes, glow sticks are OK to pack in your gift. If the tube breaks, the liquid does not spill out and can’t damage other items.

Can we include wet wipes? Yes, wet wipes do not have enough liquid to spill out into the shoebox so they are OK to include in your gift.

Can rubber balls be included if they have liquid glitter inside? No, these would be considered inappropriate because of the liquid.

What type of candy is allowed in shoebox gifts? During 2016 collection, appropriate candy includes hard candy, candy corn, gummy bears, caramels, taffy, gum and Tootsie Rolls. For all of these, make sure that the expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week. You may not include Hershey Kisses, Snickers bars, or any other chocolate, fruit roll-ups, fruit snacks, or drink mixes such as Kool-Aid. Starting in 2017, no type of candy at all will be allowed in shoebox gifts, due to increasing customs regulations. Please email us at occinfo@samaritan.org if you have any questions.

Is lip gloss OK to pack in a shoebox gift? Lip gloss is a liquid and can’t be included. However, Chapstick, lip balm or lipstick can go!

Can I include toothpaste in my shoebox? During 2016 collection, toothpaste is allowed in shoebox gifts as long as the expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week. Starting in 2017, toothpaste will not be allowed in shoebox gifts, due to increasing customs regulations. Please email us at occinfo@samaritan.org if you have any questions.

Is Play-Doh OK to pack in a shoebox gift? Yes, Play-Doh can be included in your shoebox gift. However, some children might think it is edible.

Can compact mirrors go in a shoebox gift? Yes. Compact mirrors can be included because if the glass shatters, it will be contained.

Interested in the impact of a “wow” item? Read about Yuliya’s stuffed dog ❯ Don't wait 'til fall!

Learn about packing shoeboxes year-round ❯

ShoeboxStories #shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the eighth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content. Yves -and- A Scarf A stranger loves me? How can that be, when neighbors in Rwanda had tried to kill us?

When my mother was eight months pregnant with me, our neighbors in Rwanda tried to murder us. My father, a pastor, was well-respected in the community. So, it was shocking when those who had lived down the road from them for 20 years came down that same road with the intent to kill us.

My family literally ran for their lives. I was born in a refugee camp in Congo. When conflict arose there, we sought safety in Kenya. But conflict arose there, too, so we had to move again. It seemed like everywhere we went, war followed us.

After the atrocities I’d seen, my heart was filled with hate—and not just for those who had committed those atrocities. I hated humanity because I had found little of it in people.

In Togo, we finally found a place to call home. My father began serving as a pastor again.

Our community in Togo was heavily influenced by witch doctors. They taught people to never step foot into a church. These villages were dangerous—some Christians who went there never came back.

The villagers wouldn’t come to church and you couldn’t go see them. So, how could you reach them for Christ?

Through a shoebox.

The village children didn’t go to school because they didn’t have any school supplies. So, their parents were willing to come to the church to receive free school supplies from an Operation Christmas Child shoebox distribution. The witch doctors warned the villagers to stay away from the church, but many of them went anyway.

Thinking that there was no way we’d ever come in contact with these villagers again, one of our church’s pastors preached an emboldened message emphasizing the supreme love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many of the people from the villages were shocked to learn that such a God exists. They started to come to church to hear about the all-powerful God who is also ever-loving—even one of the witch doctors. When he made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, that opened the floodgates for the villagers to follow. The people said: If this powerful man needs Jesus, so do we. Three more churches were formed as a result.

As for me, my heart had been hardened by my early childhood as a refugee.

I didn’t understand why people hated other people enough to kill them just because they were different from them. I hated people, because they were capable of such blind violence—all people, except my family.

But when I received my shoebox at age 11, it changed everything.

A stranger loves me enough to give me a gift? How can someone love me when they don’t even know me? How is that possible, when our neighbors in Rwanda had tried to kill us?

I thought I had the world figured out, and the shoebox turned my world upside down. In fact, it turned my life right side up. I put my faith in Christ later that year.

“The shoebox turned my world upside down and turned my life right side up.”

At the shoebox distribution, I had tried to trade one of my gifts for a soccer ball. I had received a wool scarf. I lived in the tropics. I had no idea what to do with this thing. But I had been taught to save everything and waste nothing, so I stored the scarf away.

Three years later, years after our initial application, my family received refugee resettlement in Buffalo, New York. It’s one of the coldest cities in the U.S.

Was this a coincidence? No way.

My precious scarf is still meaningful today. It is a promise to me that Jesus knew my past, and He knows my future and what I will need.

“My precious scarf is a promise to me that Jesus knows what I will need”

Jesus is always a step ahead, waiting at the end of the line to keep me warm like a loving father does. The scarf not only kept me warm, it warmed my heart.

To those whom God used to send me this gift—thank you for keeping me warm. Not only did the scarf keep me comfortable physically in the cold Buffalo weather, but it helped to thaw out my heart. I became brave enough to take a chance on people again.

“I became brave enough to take a chance on people again. ”

I love people now. I want to help them in Jesus’ Name.

In that vein, this summer I'll be helping to dig water wells at three village churches in Togo. These churches formed as a result of the spread of the Gospel through the shoebox distribution there more than 10 years ago.

OO.ready(function() { OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer', '02NHVzdjqjfmvhKWk1utmiso45IerLwJ'); }); Please enable Javascript to watch this video

#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. This is the eighth of 13 stories in 2016. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

Order Specialty Items

Colorful balloons and patches will help you host your Operation Christmas Child event and spread the word about the project. Use the form below to order these items for a suggested donation. We also offer free printed materials to get you started packing shoebox gifts.

<!-- --> Students Per ea affert tibique consequat, quis omnesque rationibus has id. Novum sanctus fuisset usu ex. Project Leader Checklist: Downloadable Resources

Project Launch Sunday

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World Café

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At The Banquet Table

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International Film Festival

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Celebration Sunday

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Taking OCC Churchwide

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Project Leader Timeline

Coming Soon <!----> More Tools Resources & Ideas Hub ❯ Create a Fundraising Page ❯ How to Pack a Shoebox ❯ Read the Latest OCC Stories ❯

Have questions or suggestions? Email occinfo@samaritan.org