BOONE, N.C., Feb. 16, 2018 — Because of the generosity of donors across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 8.8 million shoeboxes in 2017. Packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items, these gifts bring joy and the eternal hope of the Gospel to children around the world.
“It’s incredible to see the difference a simple shoebox gift can make in the life of a child. They bring the message of unconditional love and forgiveness found only in Jesus Christ,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “After 25 years, there’s still nothing like seeing how one gift can impact the eternal destiny of a child.”
Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2017, the ministry is now sending more than 11 million shoebox gifts to children suffering from poverty, natural disasters, war, disease and famine.
Many children who receive shoebox gifts will also enroll in Operation Christmas Child’s 12-lesson discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. This program teaches children about God’s amazing love and guides them through what it means to faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Since 2010, more than 14 million children have participated in the program. Every child who graduates is given a New Testament in their own language.
Although local drop-off locations for gifts are closed until November 2018, anyone can still be a part of this life changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline. Participants can also challenge others to pack boxes online with them or use a shoebox gift card to share the opportunity with friends and family.
Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, more than 157 million Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoeboxes have been distributed to children in more than 160 countries and territories. To learn about year-round volunteer opportunities or to serve with Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.