Collection Week will be here faster than you know! Why not always have an Operation Christmas Child shoebox to fill so you’re ready when collection time rolls up. No more last minute rushing and paying full price for everything because collection week snuck up on you.

National Collection Week is Nov. 18–25, 2024

Have you ever filled a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child?

All you need to do is get a shoebox and buy items to fill it. If you don’t know what to purchase, or you don’t have time to shop for it, Samaritan’s Purse has a Build a Shoebox Online! app that you can use from the comfort of home. It’s so easy that anyone can do it!

How much does it cost to send an Operation Christmas Child box?

Once your fill your shoebox (at home), you will need to go the the website and pay the $9 shipping. There you will print out a box label and sign up to follow your box, which can be really fun for the family. You will receive an email notification once your box has been shipped, telling you where yours ends up. Last year, our box went to the Philippines and the year before it went to Korea. It’s a great way to make geography personal for your child.

Collection Week comes up faster than you realize, leaving little time for Thanksgiving preparations! Always choose age-appropriate items for your child’s shoebox. I’m linking some items for you to Amazon, for convenience if you want to buy them online. The following lists are updated yearly. This list is current as of 9/1/2024

What age group is most needed for Operation Christmas Child?

Samaritan’s Purse says that boys ages 2-4 and 10-12 are the least bought for ages. I was super surprised by that nugget of information.

Thing to consider adding to your  Operation Christmas Child Shoebox:

• • Shoes: anything from sandals or flip flops to athletic shoes or nice dress shoes
  • Socks, underwear, t-shirts for boys or camis for girls
  • Lip balm
  • Hair items: comb and brush, hair elastics and barrettes
  • Toothbrush and washcloth
  • Stick deodorant, bar soap (place these in zipped sandwich bags to prevent heavy odors)
  • School supplies: pencils, pens, markers, calculator, ruler, protractor, glue sticks, Post-It Notes, highlighters, tape, hole punch, pencil pouch
  • Toys: Cars, figures, dolls
  • Stickers and coloring books
  • Travel games or puzzles
  • Soccer or playground balls (deflate to ship)
  • Craft kits and art supplies
  • A photo of your family and a letter. These are cherished.

Fruit of the Loom Girl’s Breathable Underwear (Pack of 6) Underwear, bikini/assorted, 10Fruit of the Loom Boys’ Boxer Briefs (Assorted Colors), Traditional Fly – 10 Pack – Stripes, MediumGildan Men’s Crew T-Shirts, Multipack, Assorted Black (5-Pack), Medium4 Pack Active Basic Women’s Basic Tank Tops,Medium,White/Charcoal/Black/H GrayBurt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm, Superfruit – Pink Grapefruit, Mango, Coconut & Pear, Pomegranate – 4 TubesSimon Micro Series Game, SingleI SPY Travel Card Game for Kids, Entertain Children on a Long Road Trip with a Hunt and Seek Card GameFranklin Sports Soccer Balls – Size 3 F-100 Soccer Balls – Youth Soccer BallFranklin Sports Playground Balls – Rubber Kickballs and Playground Balls For Kids – Great for Dodgeball, Kickball, and Schoolyard Games – 8.5” Diameter, Multicolor Pack of 6Premium Playground Balls 13 inch Best Bouncy Dodge Ball, Handball, Kickball Four Square for Boys Girls Adults. Exercise Yoga Balls Workout Therapy Fitness Pilates Balance + PumpFunzBo Arts and Crafts Supplies for Kids – Craft Art Supply Kit for Toddlers Age 4 5 6 7 8 9 – All in One D.I.Y. Crafting School Kindergarten Homeschool Supplies Arts Set Christmas Crafts for KidsFun Express Foam Bug Mask Craft Kit – 12 Pieces – Educational and Learning Activities for Kids

Things NOT to include in your Operation Christmas Child Shoebox:

• FOOD: No candy, chocolate, seeds, fruit rolls or fruit snacks, drink mixes (liquid or powdered) or other edibles
• Toothpaste
• Used or damaged items
• Medications or vitamins
• Anything weapon-related: No toy knives, guns, bombs, clubs, or military action figures
• Breakables such as glass, nicknacks, or mirrors
• Liquids: No soaps, shampoo, lotions, etc. They can rupture and leak in flight.
• Aerosol cans

Teaching your child about serving the world is easy with Operation Christmas Child. It’s one way to focus on Jesus in a very hectic Christmas season. It can become a family tradition that continues on for many years to come!

Disclaimer: I am writing from my own experiences with my own opinions. I am not employed by nor do I represent Samaritan’s Purse or Operation Christmas Child.

• How To Sign Up to Serve For Operation Christmas Child Collection Week
• Operation Christmas Child: What Happens When You Drop Off a Shoebox?
• Shoebox Gift Ideas
• Journey of a Shoebox: Collection Center to Processing
• Want Answers To All Your Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Questions?

Christmas is right around the corner! The most wonderful time of the year is almost here – a time for gratitude, togetherness, and celebration!!

I’m teaming up with an amazing group of bloggers to bless several families this year!! With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we know a little extra something can go a long way.That’s why we’re giving away FOUR $200 gift cards to four winners—and you get to choose where you’d like to spend it.Whether you’re dreaming of a shopping spree, treating yourself to a fancy meal, or checking off your gift list, this is your chance to make it happen. 

Each winner will get a $200 gift card to wherever they choose – a restaurant, clothing store, grocery store, online retailer – any place that offers gift cards!

There are lots of entry options in the Rafflecopter form below – the more you enter, the better your chance of winning!  I know it can seem tedious and time consuming to go through all the entries, but isn’t a chance at $200 worth it? I think it is!  Plus, all of these amazing bloggers donated their own money towards the prizes, so this giveaway wouldn’t be possible without them.  I hope you’ll take the time to check out each one. Who knows, maybe you will find some new blogs to follow.

The giveaway will run from Monday, November 18th through Wednesday, November 27th (ends at 11:59pm EST). Winner will be notified by email shortly after the giveaway ends and will have 48 hours to respond to claim the prize or another winner will be drawn. By entering this giveaway, you agree to be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers.  Please be sure to read the Rafflecopter terms and conditions upon entering.