Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
ACTS 20:35
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It is a hands-on way for you to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and fun gifts. We collect the boxes and distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in vulnerable situations.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
What They Do
Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for Australians and New Zealanders to bless children in need around the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and other fun gifts.
OCC collect the gift-filled shoeboxes and distribute them to children in over 100 countries in the Name of Jesus Christ.
After receiving a shoebox gift, many children have the opportunity to enrol in The Greatest Journey – Samaritan's Purse dynamic, 12-lesson Bible study course that guides children through what it means to faithfully follow Jesus Christ.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Back for 2023
Boxes due back by 22 October 2023
SAMARITAN’S PURSE SHOEBOXES
In addition to the download instructions below, please see these EXTRA POINTERS from one of the Organisers of Samaritan’s Purse:
(The ‘Operation Christmas Child’ brochure explains the main points.)
• • Simple things are best such as you might have given a child 30 years ago. eg. Tennis balls, party blowers, skipping ropes, etc.
• If batteries are included, they must be in their original packaging.
• No baby items please.
• Put a label on the outside of each box. There are two labels in each brochure. Secure boxes with rubber bands.
• The preference is for each box to be full.
• Your box will not be opened by anyone until it reaches the final Samaritan’s Purse packing point and checked for dangerous items, etc. and that the box is full. Your gift is a matter between you and the child.
• Your selection for each box is respected and changes would only be made at the last check due to dangerous or inappropriate items.
• It now costs $12.50 per box to transport boxes overseas. The brochure mentions ‘putting cash or cheque’ for $12.50 inside the top of the box but if this is not included then their hope is that the cost will be covered by other donors.
• There is also the option to buy your labels online as a way of donating $12.50 and have the option to follow your box to the destination country.
Go to: occdonations.samaritanspurse.org.au and the labels are instantly emailed to you to print off and attach to your box.
SPECIAL REMINDERS
NO ITEMS THAT LEAK OR MELT including Toothpaste, shampoo, or bubbles. These can spoil boxes.
NO FOOD OR LOLLIES of any kind (due to Shipping Regulations) including medicines and vitamins.
NO USED OR DAMAGED ITEMS (due to Customs regulations) including clothing and toys.
NO BREAKABLE ITEMS including glass, porcelain, mirrors.
NO ITEM THAT CAN SCARE OR HARM A CHILD Including knives, war-related toys, toy guns, camouflage print clothes, pirate-related toys, and clothes (skull & crossbones).
NO OCCULT-RELATED ITEMS e.g. Harry Potter.
NO GAMBLING RELATED ITEMS including play money, playing cards, dominoes, dice.
NO RELIGIOUS MATERIAL including written prayers.
NO SEEDS, AEROSOL CANS, or GLUE STICKS AND CRAYONS WHICH COULD MELT IN TRANSIT.