Eastern Europe
More than 69,000 shoebox gifts packed in the UK in 2025 are now bringing joy to children in Eastern Europe! In places where sharing the Gospel is restricted, the shoeboxes you packed online have enabled special access—opening doors for the love of Jesus to be shared through local partners.
To the thousands who receive them, these gift-filled boxes are a powerful symbol of hope and love.
Due to ongoing political and religious sensitivities in some parts of Eastern Europe, it’s important we prioritise the safety of our partners operating in restricted areas. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to disclose details about the specific country your shoebox was sent to. Wherever it’s landed, please know that the precious child who receives your gift will be truly blessed.
Below, we’ve shared some of our favourite videos, photos, and stories from the wider region. We pray it encourages your heart to see the difference that shoeboxes just like yours make.
Shoebox gifts let these little boys know they are loved and cared for.
This church outreach event blessed 250 boys and girls—each one received a gift and heard about the love of God.
A big gift for this little girl!
At this special outreach event, Shoebox gifts brought joy to schoolchildren who are deaf at this special outreach event.
This one couldn’t wait to open his shoebox full of gifts!
After receiving their shoeboxes, children are invited to The Greatest Journey disciple course to learn more about Jesus.
Galina’s Story
Galina is a teacher in an orphanage. After Operation Christmas Child volunteers came to give out shoebox gifts, she reflected on her experience:
"I watched them and thought, who are these people and where did they get so much glow and love from? Why do they do this? I am so thankful to all those who work in this project, because our children receive so much love through these gifts – every gift is a real treasure."
A Christmas Surprise
“Standing in the cold the day before the shoeboxes were given out, some girls asked me what kind of dress they should wear for the occasion. I assured them that they can come in any dress they like.
To their surprise, the shoeboxes they received the next day not only contained beautiful dresses, but toys too. From that day, they count back each week how many nights they have to sleep through until The Greatest Journey lessons, so they can come to a place where they feel cherished and loved.”
—A Local Partner
A Little Boy’s Wish
“In the school where we first went, the teacher said to us that there is a little boy who is being brought up under harsh circumstances , but is an extremely talented footballer. But sadly he had no ball to practice with at home. I told the teacher that we should pray for him.
As the boys started unwrapping their shoeboxes, we were waiting for a miracle, but none of them seemed to have a ball in them. Suddenly, a little girl asked, ‘Can I exchange my box with someone? It contains a football, which I don’t really need.’ The joy of the little boy was indescribable!
—A Local Partner
A Mother’s Joy!
At a nursery, 31 children heard about the Christmas story and were delighted to receive shoebox gifts. The parents expressed how thankful they were and that the children loved the gift boxes very much.
One mother stopped the local partner the next day. She said that she too had received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift when she was a child and it was the best memory from her childhood.
What Happens After the Shoebox?
After receiving their shoebox gift, children can enrol in The Greatest Journey—12 fun and interactive Bible lessons—where they have the opportunity to discover who Jesus is, begin their journey of faith, and receive a New Testament in their own language. Watch the video below to see how The Greatest Journey is transforming lives around the world.
Note: The Greatest Journey is offered free of charge, without obligation, and with the consent of the child’s parent or guardian.
Learn More About The Greatest Journey
