What is Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child is an amazing ministry with a goal to show God's love to children in need all around the world. Each year, Operation Christmas Child empowers churches, groups, and individuals to pack shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for girls and boys around the world.
When these boxes are delivered, the children get to hear about Jesus and how much God loves them. Many children get the opportunity to go through The Greatest Journey, which is a 12-lesson discipleship program that teaches them about who Jesus is and what He did for us. When children complete this program, they receive their very own Bible in their native language.
Since 2009, more than 24 million of these children have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! We are so blessed to get to play a part in what God is doing through this incredible ministry!
When these boxes are delivered, the children get to hear about Jesus and how much God loves them. Many children get the opportunity to go through The Greatest Journey, which is a 12-lesson discipleship program that teaches them about who Jesus is and what He did for us. When children complete this program, they receive their very own Bible in their native language.
Since 2009, more than 24 million of these children have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! We are so blessed to get to play a part in what God is doing through this incredible ministry!
How Does This Work?
So glad you asked! In short, you take shoeboxes and pack them full of wonderful goodies such as toys, clothes, school supplies, and hygiene items (we'll have a detailed list of ideas for you below), bring them back to the church, then Operation Christmas Child takes them to children in need all around the world. It is a tangible expression of the love of Jesus!
If you'd like to see what exactly happens when you pack a shoebox in a bit more detail, click the button below to follow the Life of a Shoebox.
If you'd like to see what exactly happens when you pack a shoebox in a bit more detail, click the button below to follow the Life of a Shoebox.
How Can I Get Involved?
Last year, Highpoint Church collectively packed 343 shoeboxes! This year, we've set a goal to pack 777 shoeboxes together! That's 777 children and families we get to share the love of Jesus with!
Since we have such a big goal, we have decided to host a packing party this year! This fall, we will come together at the church and pack shoeboxes together. We are going to begin collecting supplies at the church to put in shoeboxes starting in July.
Since we have such a big goal, we have decided to host a packing party this year! This fall, we will come together at the church and pack shoeboxes together. We are going to begin collecting supplies at the church to put in shoeboxes starting in July.
Here are several ways you can help:
1. Begin collecting supplies!
It's going to take a lot of supplies to fill 777 shoeboxes! We will be hosting a church-wide packing party this fall using supplies we've collected throughout the year. So, when you buy items you think would be amazing in a shoebox, feel free to bring them to the church for the packing party!
We will have a designated spot in the lobby for you to drop off your shoebox supplies. Keep scrolling to find two great lists with all the fun things you can pack in a shoebox and what cannot be packed.
2. Donate financially!
If shopping isn't your forte, that's alright! If you'd still like to support this amazing ministry, you can give financially. Here are two ways you can do that:
If shopping isn't your forte, that's alright! If you'd still like to support this amazing ministry, you can give financially. Here are two ways you can do that:
1. You can give directly to Highpoint Church. If you give to the church and mark your donation as Operation Christmas Child (or OCC) that money will go towards purchasing supplies to go in shoeboxes and the shipping cost of those shoeboxes.
2. You can also donate directly to Operation Christmas Child. These donations go towards things such as providing more children with the opportunity to go through The Greatest Journey (the discipleship program that teaches children about Jesus), covering the shipping cost for shoeboxes, and more. If you'd like to give directly to OCC, you can click here. (Note: This money goes directly to the ministry of Operation Christmas Child. It does not go to Highpoint Church.)
3. Packing Party Prep!
In preparation for our first ever packing party, we will need some incredible people to help us get everything ready in the months leading up to that event. This will include getting items sorted and organized and crafting some fun items and kits to pack in shoeboxes. If you're interested in helping in this way, click here to fill out a volunteer form.
In preparation for our first ever packing party, we will need some incredible people to help us get everything ready in the months leading up to that event. This will include getting items sorted and organized and crafting some fun items and kits to pack in shoeboxes. If you're interested in helping in this way, click here to fill out a volunteer form.
What Goes in a Shoebox?
Below are lists with ideas on what to pack for girls shoeboxes and boys shoeboxes. There's also a list telling you what you cannot pack in a shoebox.
Don't forget to put your label on top of each shoebox and mark the gender and age your shoebox is meant for!
Don't forget to put your label on top of each shoebox and mark the gender and age your shoebox is meant for!
For more information or to download and print these lists, click the button below to visit Operation Christmas Child's website.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact Kaitlyn Penaflorida at Kaitlyn@churchcommunity.org or call (850) 364-7225.