Samaritans Purse: Operation Christmas Child (OCC)
What is Operation Christmas Child?
Who are they?
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It’s a hands-on way for you to demonstrate God’s love to 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.
Their Mission
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.
2025 National Collection Weeks
Australia: 13 – 27 October
New Zealand: 20 – 25 October
Find out more:
The Amazing Journey of a Shoebox Gift
Begins with You and Results in Evangelism, Discipleship, and Multiplication
Packing
From children to seniors, people pack shoebox gifts each year to bless children in need around the world. Parents often use the project to teach their kids about giving. Volunteers support these efforts across the country.
Collecting
Individuals, churches, schools and community groups of all sizes collect boxes from their communities. Some churches also serve as drop-off locations for shoeboxes during National Collection every year.
Shipping
Thousands of volunteers serve annually inspecting and preparing shoeboxes for international shipping. Every day throughout processing, we stop and pray for the children who will receive the boxes.
Worldwide Distribution
Long before shoeboxes arrive in more than 100 countries, volunteer National Leadership Teams train pastors and community leaders who want to share the message of the Gospel and bless children. The leaders learn how to host child-friendly outreach events, and how to implement The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship program.
Outreach Events
Pastors around the world host outreach events in places where people may not know Christ and invite them to follow Him. Other churches use the boxes as resources for outreach in orphanages and other at-risk areas.
Discipleship & Multiplication
As a result of what they learn in The Greatest Journey, boys and girls grow in Christ and share with friends and family. The students also invite others to their graduations where the Gospel is shared. This often brings parents, siblings, and friends to accept Christ and become active members in the local church. Families are reached, churches grow, new churches are started, and communities are transformed.
How can you help OCC?
Prayer
Financial Giving
You can either give through Southern Cross Anglican or follow the below link to give on their website: