“What comes out is eternal.Every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool of Evangelism and discipleship- transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ!”

How to Pack a Shoebox1. Find a Shoebox

Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately.

2. Girl or Boy?Decide whether you want to send a gift box to a boy or a girl, and which age category: 2-4, 5-9, 10-14.

3. Fill with GiftsPick a quality “wow” toy, such as a doll, a ball, or a stuffed animal. Then, fill the remainder of the box with other toy, hygiene products, school supplies, and anything else you think a child may like!

How to Pack a Shoebox (Continued)

4. PrayMost importantly, say a prayer for the child who will be receiving your gift box. You can also include a letter and a photo of you and your family!

5. $7 Tracking LabelsYou can go online and donate $7 to the Samaritan’s Purse organization and receive a tracking label. This will allow you the follow the progress of your package and discover its destination!

6. Drop-OffTake your gift box to a drop-off location (list of locations found online) during “National Collection Week.” (November 16-23)

Shoebox Stories

The Samaritan’s Purse website includes many stories of children who were impacted when they received a shoebox gift. The stories include not only material gifts and supplies received, but gifts of hope, Praise, and the love of Jesus. Here are some stories:Shoebox Stories

Build a Shoebox Online!

If you don’t know where to get a shoebox or how to go about it, you can fill a shoebox online for $25! The Operation Christmas Child section of samaritanspurse.org offers plenty of choices on items to fill your box, from the convenience of your home!

What to Put in a ShoeboxSamaritan’s Purse suggests that your shoebox include: a “wow” toy such as a doll, a ball and pump, a stuffed animal; toys that a child will embrace immediately like a jump rope, a yo-yo, etc.; school supplies; non-liquid hygiene items including washcloth, bar soap, tooth brush and paste, etc.; accessories like a shirt, socks, shoes, hair clips, sunglasses, etc.; homemade crafts such as hair bows or friendship bracelets; a personal note.On the other hand, you may NOT include: anything used or damaged; war toys, such as toy guns, knives, and army men; food; lotions or liquids; breakable items or glass containers; vitamins or medications; aerosol cans.

Packing Parties!If you’re interested in

packing shoeboxes, you can host a party and get your friends, family, and the whole community in on it! To host a packing party, you just have to fill out a simple form on the Samaritan’s Purse website, informing them who will be included in your packing party, and how you plan to collect toys and other items for the shoeboxes (through your local church, requesting items from local businesses, having those participating in your party bring their own items, etc.). Samaritan’s Purse then offers idea on how to plan your party! They require that each person involved bring $7 for each box they plan to pack (for the tracking labels), and you can even order materials for your party such as brochures, balloons, tablecloths, posters, and tons of other items to promote your party!

For just $7 and the cost of the items you choose to put into a shoebox, you could change a child’s world, and bring Jesus into their life. It’s such a small price to pay for the huge reward of knowing you made a difference. Visit Samaritan's Purse to get all the information you need!

Sources•All pictures from Google

Images•All information from

Smaritanspurse.org