The Balkans
More than 50,600 shoebox gifts packed in the UK in 2025 are now bringing joy to children in the Balkans!
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 the Balkans, it’s important we prioritise the safety of our partners operating in restricted areas. Therefore, we are unfortunately not able 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 Balkans region. We pray it encourages your heart to see the difference that shoeboxes just like yours make.
Children Receiving Shoebox Gifts in the Balkans
Delight and excitement for these boys and girls as they receive their gifts!
This precious little one loved her new doll!
Gifts are given to children out in orphanages, others in schools, and others in churches. But wherever they go, each gift is a tangible expression of God’s love.
Every shoebox matters, because each one represents a child.
This girl’s smile says it all!
“I HAVE A GRANDDAUGHTER BECAUSE OF A SHOEBOX!”
—Diana, a mother from Croatia.
Years ago, Diana’s church joined Operation Christmas Child, delivering shoebox gifts to a poor Roma community. One shoebox was given to a family celebrating their little girl Marina’s second birthday. Along with the gift, they heard the Gospel. It seemed like a small moment—but a seed was planted, and a connection was made.
Marina went on to have a turbulent childhood, but God led her to the safety of Diana’s home. There, she fell in love with one of Diana’s sons. They married in 2022 (pictured) and now have a baby girl named Elora, meaning “God is my light.” Today, Marina shares the Gospel with the Roma community and supports Operation Christmas Child.
DOORS OPENED FOR THE GOSPEL
“It is not enough to say that the shoeboxes were useful to us,” shared one local church partner. “We distributed them to the Home for Orphans, in my bank, in the surrounding villages to poor families, and in our village primary school.… God has opened many doors for us to proclaim the Good News. Our church and I are overjoyed that the dear Lord has made this possible for us!”
A Shoebox Brings Light
This young boy walks to and from school more than 7 miles each day, sometimes even having to walk home in the dark. He recently attended an outreach event held by a local church. Here he received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift and inside he found a new torch! Now he uses it to help him walk home safely.
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 transforming lives around the world.
The Greatest Journey gives children an opportunity to discover who Jesus is for themselves.
Each class is led by a trained local teacher.
Once the class finishes the course, each graduate is presented with a certificate and their very own New Testament in their own language.
This class went all out to celebrate on their Graduation Day!
Please pray for each child who chooses to enrol in the The Greatest Journey after receiving their shoebox gift this year!
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
