Pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox by November 22
Pack a Shoebox. Share God's Love.
This November, Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church is joining Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse, to send gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world. Each box is an opportunity to offer joy, care, and the Good News of Jesus Christ through a simple gift chosen and packed with love.
Operation Christmas Child works through local church partners in communities around the world. Shoebox gifts are filled with toys, school supplies, and personal-care items, then delivered to boys and girls along with a clear, child-friendly presentation of the Gospel. Many children are also invited to take part in The Greatest Journey, a follow-up discipleship course offered through local churches.
Packing a box is something individuals, families, small groups, and friends can do together. As you choose each item, think about the child who will open the box, and pray that the gift will communicate that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten.
This year, MSPC's goal is to collect 100 shoebox gifts. Wrapped shoeboxes are available for pickup in the sanctuary and from the church office. Take one home, fill it, and return it to MSPC by the collection deadline.
How to participate
Choose a shoebox. You can pick up an already wrapped shoebox from church, or you can supply an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you wrap a box, wrap the lid separately so the box can be opened during processing.
Choose a recipient category. Label the box for a boy or girl in one of three age groups: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.
Start with a “wow” item. A medium-to-large toy such as a stuffed animal, doll, toy car, musical instrument, or deflated soccer ball with a pump can become the centerpiece of the gift.
Fill the box. Add new, quality toys, school supplies, personal-care items, clothing, or accessories. A personal note and photo can make the gift especially meaningful.
Pray. Pray for the child who will receive the box, the child's family, the local church delivering it, and the wider community.
Help with project costs. Samaritan's Purse suggests a donation of $10 per shoebox to help cover collection, processing, shipping, Gospel materials, and ministry-partner training. An online tracking label also lets you discover the destination of your gift.
Return your shoebox to MSPC. Bring your packed and labeled box to Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church no later than Sunday, November 22.
Good gifts to pack
A special “wow” toy
School supplies such as pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, rulers, erasers, or scissors
Personal-care items such as a toothbrush, comb, brush, washcloth, solid deodorant, or non-medicated lip balm
Clothing and accessories such as a T-shirt, socks, hat, sunglasses, flip-flops, or a small bag
Games, puzzles, jump ropes, balls, craft supplies, coloring books, or other activities
A personal note and photo
All items should be new, safe, and appropriate for the child's age.
Please do not include
Do not pack food, candy, gum, toothpaste, soap, liquids or lotions, medication or vitamins, money, used or damaged items, breakable items, aerosol cans, seeds or other organic matter, scary or war-related toys, wearable traditional camouflage, matches or fire starters, knives, saws, razor blades, or alcohol wipes.
Because packing guidance can change, use the current Operation Christmas Child gift-suggestion page when you have a question about a particular item.
Pick up a box or help with shipping
Wrapped shoeboxes are available in the sanctuary and the church office. Pick up a box, pack it prayerfully, and return it to MSPC no later than Sunday, November 22.
You may also give toward the $10-per-box shipping and processing donation. Please indicate in the memo field that your gift is for the 2026 Operation Christmas Child campaign.
Ready to begin?
Return all packed shoeboxes to MSPC by Sunday, November 22.
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