Operation Christmas Child
What is Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. This program of Samaritan’s Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas--Jesus Christ.
Three ways to get involved
You can either pack your own shoe box, give money that will be used to purchase gifts and cover shipping costs, or donate items that will be boxed by Trinity’s Sunday School classes.
Coming this November, look for the “Operation Christmas Child” drop-off box in the Narthex.
How to Pack a Shoe Box Gift
1. Select a Shoe Box
Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.
2. Download and Print
Download and print the “How To Pack A Shoe Box: Form and Labels” pdf document.
3. Boy or Girl?
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Cut out the appropriate label, mark the correct age category, and tape the label to the top of your box.
4. Shop for Gifts
Shop for gifts that will bring delight to the child of your choice. Keep in mind the gender and age category of your selected child while making your purchases.
No clues what to get, check out these great gift ideas:
TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans
5. Fill the Box
Fill the shoe box with your gifts.
6. Notes, Donations, and Forms
Place the following on top of the gift items inside your box.
(A) Personal Note
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
(B) Your Donation
Please donate $7 (placed in a separate envelope) for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping costs. Make checks payable to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line). If you or your family prepare more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.
(C) Filled Out Donation Form
Fill out the donation form located on the “How To Pack A Shoe Box: Form and Labels” pdf document.
7. Drop Off the Box
Place a rubber band around each shoe box and lid. Bring the box(s) to Trinity Baptist Church during the collection week in mid-November.
Trinity Baptist Church
711 Fairview Dr. Moscow, Idaho 83843
208.882.2015
trinity@moscow.com