By Emmy McKirgan

Operation Christmas Child is a project of the international relief organization, Samaritan’s Purse. They provide a tangible expression of love to kids all around the world with gift-filled shoeboxes. 

All you do: get a shoebox (either one supplied by Samaritan’s Purse or any “shoe” type box), fill it with hygiene items, school supplies, a stuffed animal, or a pair of sandals. The great part is: you decide what to fill the box with. Unsure what to include? Click on the link for some ideas of what can go in shoeboxes. 

You decide if you want to fill one box or 100. You can do it alone or in a group setting (following COVID restrictions). You can even send a shoebox from the comfort of your own home.

 The best part is seeing the videos of the kids’ faces when they open these boxes. For some, this is the first gift they have ever received. For others receiving a shoebox gives them a break from the tragic realities of their world. The simple shoebox brings joy to the child. But also their family members are impacted by the love shown. This year, even though COVID ravaged the world, more than 9.1 million shoeboxes were given to kids worldwide. They were dropped off by plane, camel, donkey and every other way possible so the gifts would get to even the most remote parts of the world.