Ogouleroun was quick with a big smile on that Sunday morning, singing joyfully near the back opening of the rough-built church in a field donated by the village chief. The wooden structure was roofed with dried palm fronds, and Ogouleroun’s hands touched that roof as he worshipped. His tall stature stood out among the other…
Operation Christmas Child
Opening Eyes and Ears in Ecuador
Nestled in the mountains of the Pichincha province of Ecuador, Pastor Segundo Santacruz leads a large church that meets in a very small building. “Amor a la Vida” (Love for Life), as the congregation is called, reaches out to the Quechua community around them in a variety of creative ways. They provide food for their…
Operation Christmas Child
The Love Behind a Shoebox Gift Surprised a Girl in Cambodia
Boun Thorne grew up in a boat village in the Southeast Asian nation of Cambodia. In the aftermath of a terrible situation, she moved at age 10 to a safe house where she received Bible teaching and an Operation Christmas Child shoebox—her first gift ever! When Boun inquired why someone would send her a gift,…
Operation Christmas Child
She’s Got a Heart for Sharing Christ Through Shoeboxes
Nine-year-old Ava Smith loves to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes! Why? “Because shoeboxes provide hope for children who might not have any hope,” she said. She became passionate about the Samaritan’s Purse project three years ago when she packed her first shoebox gift at her Christian school in Felton, Delaware. Ava then shared her enthusiasm…
Operation Christmas Child
Press Release Operation Christmas Child October 10-12-21
NOV. 15 – 22: Drop-Off Sites to Open for Operation Christmas Child BOONE, N.C., Oct. 12, 2021—More than 4,500 locations will open to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse project. Volunteers are preparing to collect shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 15–22, offering a curbside option. Operation Christmas Child has…
Operation Christmas Child
Press Release Operation Christmas Child October 11-15-21
This Week: Drop-off Sites Open for Operation Christmas Child Boone, N.C., Nov. 15, 2021—As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many families and children are expressing gratitude by giving back to children in need around the world. For those who are including Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts as part of their holiday, more than 4,500 drop-off sites…
Operation Christmas Child
Family & Children’s Resources
Family and Children's Resources Our collection of child-friendly resources can help your church, group, or family catch the vision for packing shoebox gifts for boys and girls in need around the world. Be sure to check out all of the fun options! Featured Resource Lola's Lion :60 Second Trailer Lola, a lonely little girl living in…
Crisis & Disaster Response
Franklin Graham Sees Relief Work in Jamaica; Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes Delivered
Franklin Graham met with storm survivors in Jamaica on Sunday in Black River. Earlier in the weekend, our DC-8 aircraft carried more than 9,000 Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to the island for children affected by Hurricane Melissa. It was the final mission for this historic aircraft. Franklin Graham visited Black River and other communities…
Operation Christmas Child
Press Release Operation Christmas Child Drop-off Locations Now Open
Operation Christmas Child Drop-off Locations Now Open BOONE, N.C.—Children in need are being blessed this Christmas season through the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child. Individuals, families and groups have the opportunity to pack a shoebox gift filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items and drop them off now during National Collection…
Operation Christmas Child
Friendly Competition in Oklahoma Multiplies the Impact of Operation Christmas Child Around the World
Oklahoma youngsters Ava and Sam hold a friendly competition each year to see who can pack the most Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoeboxes. But, win or lose, their real goal is the same—to see kids all over the world come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Ava and Sam love to pack…
