What is Operation Christmas Child (OCC)?

OCC is a project of Samaritan’s Purse in which many churches and individuals participate, including Learn Together Lowcountry and Grace Coastal Church. It is designed to give children in need a tangible expression of Jesus’ love through a gift-filled shoebox. For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received. After the shoeboxes are packed and shipped overseas, local believers share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children as they distribute them. Families are reached. Churches are started. Communities are transformed.

Packing a traditional OCC shoebox

1)Pick up a shoebox from the narthex or use one of your own.

2) Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.

3) Fill your box with a “wow” item such as a soccer ball (deflated) with a pump or stuffed animal, along with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Let us know if you would like us to email you a list of items you may want to consider including. Items not to include: food; seeds; toothpaste, liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; aerosol cans, war/military-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; breakable, used, or damaged items

4) Most importantly: pray for the child who will receive your gift.

5) (Optional, but very appreciated) Include a personal note and photo.

6) Donate $10 per shoebox at www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/label-options to cover: shipping and processing costs, training, and equipping local churches (explaining how to share the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ in a child-friendly way), and providing The Greatest Gift Gospel Booklets, which are written in the children’s language and distributed along with shoebox gifts.

7) Please place a rubber band around your box.

8) Bring your filled shoebox(es) to LTL by Friday, October 28, 2022.

Thank you for your help!