Classical Conversations and Operation Christmas Child
National Collection Week
Nov. 16–23, 2026
Living Out “To Know God and Make Him Known”
Classical Conversations Communities are built around a shared mission: to know God and to make Him known. Operation Christmas Child offers a meaningful, hands-on way for CC families to live out that mission together.
By packing shoebox gifts, Foundations and Challenge students alike can put Biblical principles into action—demonstrating stewardship, generosity, and service in a tangible way. Each shoebox gift becomes an opportunity to share God's love with a child in need, reaching communities across more than 100 countries with both meaningful gifts and the message of the Gospel.
A Natural Fit for Your Community
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Foundations Students
Simple, joyful giving that helps young learners understand generosity
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Challenge Students
Opportunities to lead, organize, and serve with purpose
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Parents and Tutors
A Christ-centered project that unites families around a global mission
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Community Impact
Relationships strengthened while making an eternal difference together
2026 Community Challenge
Set a goal as a Community to pack 30 or more shoebox gifts—or go beyond and aim high. This year, CC Communities are invited into a friendly competition to maximize their impact. The Classical Conversations Community that packs and reports the highest number of gift-filled shoeboxes will receive a pizza-party celebration that will include a visit from an Operation Christmas Child representative, a former shoebox recipient who will share their story, and a fun experience for your entire Community.
Submit your total by December 31, 2026.
Winning Community will be announced in January 2027.
Get Your Community Involved
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Order Materials
Help your shoebox packing and promotion go smoothly with FREE materials such as brochures, posters, and bookmarks. You can also order preprinted shoeboxes to fill with gifts or download videos to show your Community.
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Pack and Assemble
Collect shoeboxes or plastic containers and fill them with gender-appropriate items. If you wrap your shoebox, be sure to wrap the lid separately from the rest of the box. Set a goal for your Community and start collecting today!
Host a packing party. Use our step-by-step guide to customize your packing party experience and to order free materials.
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Cover Ministry Costs
Make a $10 donation for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and program expenses.
If you give online through Follow Your Box, you can discover the destination of your shoebox gift.
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Drop Off
Place a rubber band around each shoebox and bring them to one of over 4,500 drop-off locations open during National Collection Week, the third week in November.
Make sure to indicate that you're with Classical Conversations when you fill out the drop-off log. We want to celebrate this partnership with you and CC!
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Connect with an Operation Christmas Child Volunteer
Contact your Operation Christmas Child regional office to be put in contact with local volunteers who can support you in your shoebox packing efforts.
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Get the Word Out about Operation Christmas Child
Post content of your Community promoting Operation Christmas Child and tag @OperationChristmasChild.
Receive 50 Free Shoeboxes
We're offering 50 complimentary shoeboxes to the first 100 directors who fill out the form below to help get your Community started with Operation Christmas Child.
