Filling an Operation Christmas Child shoebox is a great activity for families to take part in, with everyone having a part to play.

GIVE THANKS:  Watch some Operation Christmas Child videos together. Discuss with your children what it might be like to never have a toothbrush, a bar of soap, or even a toy of their own.  Thank God for the many ways He has blessed your family.

SET A SHOEBOX GOAL:  Decide how many shoeboxes you want to fill.  Will the gifts follow a theme?  What special things to you want to put in your boxes?  Your kids may want to help pay for the gifts from their pocket money.

GO SHOPPING: Go shopping as a family to pick out the gifts you want to put in your shoebox.  Let your kids choose the age and gender they want to buy for.

PERSONALISE IT: Write a note and include a photo of your family in your shoebox.  Have your kids include an ‘Let’s be friends’ colouring page from our website.

VISIT THE POST OFFICE: Teach your kids about the project donation including shipping.  Find out how much it would cost you to send a shoebox to another country. Take a look at what else this donation enables here 

CRAFTS: Find Operation Christmas Child on Pinterest at pinterest.com/occuk.  Operation Christmas Child boards are filled with crafts that make great shoebox items for boys and girls and are fun to do as a family.

LEARN: Pay your suggested project donation online and discover the destination of your shoebox gift.  You will receive an email in the new year revealing the country, and a link with more information about the work of Operation Christmas Child there.

Looking up information about the countries where shoeboxes are delivered is a great way to teach kids geography.

PRAY: Pray for the child that will receive your shoebox – that through this gift they may know that God loves them and that someone cares about them.

RESOURCES:  Download our Children’s resources

Children Helping Children

Lola’s Lion

Resources Hub