Operation Christmas Child 2023

Last year, St. Peter collected 611 shoeboxes, and our region, Hudson Valley West, collected over 11,000 shoeboxes to be distributed to children all over the world! The incredible generosity of members of our church and community is helping to spread hope, love, and God's word beyond our borders.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

31692-9-garland-transparent-background-t

National Collection Week

Through Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with millions of boys and girls in more than 100 countries each year. Many of these children have never before received a present or heard the true meaning of Christmas—until they open a gift-filled shoebox from a person like you.

During National Collection Week, Samaritan’s Purse collects the gift-filled shoeboxes at more than 4,000 drop-off sites in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The shoebox gifts are prepared for overseas shipment at eight major processing centers across the U.S., then Samaritan’s Purse and its partners deliver the gifts to children in more than 100 countries.

National Collection week is the third week in November. St. peter is an official drop-off location and will provide information regarding boxes and drop-offs prior to collection week every year.

Spreading the Gospel and gifts all over the world is as easy as...

1. 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. Year-round volunteers support these efforts across the country.

2. Collecting

Churches and groups of all sizes collect boxes from their communities. St. Peter serves as a drop-off location for shoeboxes during the Christmas Season!

3. Shipping

Thousands of volunteers serve annually inspecting and preparing shoeboxes for international shipping. Every hour work stops for a few minutes to pray for the children who will receive the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Pack a Shoebox?

1. Find a Shoebox

Call St. Peter to request a shoebox. If you want to wrap it, please make sure the box can still be opened after wrapping.

2. Boy of Girl?

Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2–4, 5– 9, or 10–14.

3. Fill With Gifts

Select a medium to large “wow” item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Find a list of suggested gifts here.

4. Pray

Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo.

5. Drop your Shoebox off at a collection center, like St. Peter

Drop your box off with a collection volunteer who will take all of the boxes to the distribution center to be shipped to children all over the world.

6. Follow Your Box Labels

Donate $9 online and receive a label to Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

What is the $9 Suggested Donation Per Box?

The $9 per gift is a suggested donation. This donation is critical for Operation Christmas Child to collect, process, and ship shoebox gifts to more than 100 countries. It also provides for ministry materials such as The Greatest Gift Gospel Booklet and The Ministry Partner Guide. We encourage those who are unable to include the $9 per box to consider asking a group in their church or a family member to sponsor this part of the shoebox gift.

What Happens After the Shoeboxes are Delivered?

Operation Christmas Child's 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, OPC's 12-lesson discipleship program. Through the program, OPC's local ministry partners are able to establish long-term, caring relationships with children and families by sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

St. Peter