Updated 04/15

As you serve as a leader volunteer, it’s important that you have the most up-to-date

information and resources. OCC is committed to equipping you with the information and

materials you need to be successful in your role. This document contains general information

that will be updated each year, but some information changes frequently, even from month to

month. Your best sources for updated resources and information are always the Extranet

(www.occextranet.org) and your regional point of contact.

SP and OCC GENERAL INFORMATION

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2015 OCC Quick Facts

What: Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham that collects gift-filled shoeboxes and delivers them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in desperate situations around the world.

Total shoeboxes collected in 2014 internationally 10,440,333 (from Austria, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Spain, Japan, the

United Kingdom, and the United States)

Total shoeboxes collected in the United States 7,991,643 How: Shoeboxes were collected across the United States by the following means in 2014:

Collection Centers: (Official shoebox drop-off sites)

Total number of Collection Centers 532

Total number of Relay Centers 3479

Number of states with Collection Centers 50 (and Puerto Rico) Processing Centers: (Where shoeboxes are prepared for overseas shipping)

Total number of Processing Centers 9 (Atlanta, GA; ,Boone, NC; Charlotte, NC; Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; Southern California;

Dallas, TX; Baltimore, MD)

Total number of volunteer visits 96,539

Total number of volunteer hours 467,349 Who: Some 140,000 volunteers in the United States, bringing the total to more than 500,000 volunteers worldwide,

who help the boxes on their way to children in distant lands. Where: Operation Christmas Child delivered over 10 million shoeboxes to children in over 100 countries in 2014/2015.

Why: Every day boys and girls worldwide suffer from war, poverty, disease, and natural disaster. Operation

Christmas Child makes it possible for millions of these children to experience God’s love through shoeboxes filled with gifts. These shoeboxes open doors for presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ by working in and through local churches where possible, offering children’s literature and through culturally appropriate evangelistic and follow-up programs. One of the things that makes Operation Christmas Child so special is its emphasis on kids helping kids. This project provides a simple, tangible way for children and teenagers to join adults in sharing the joy of giving to children around the world.

When: Samaritan’s Purse adopted Operation Christmas Child in 1993 and has collected and distributed over 124

million shoebox gifts for needy children in more than 150 countries and territories. A British layman named Dave Cooke started the project in 1990 in Wales.

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2015 OCC Fact Sheet Purpose:

The world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, Operation Christmas Child, uses gift-filled shoeboxes to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world.

Scope:

Since 1993, the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 124 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 150 countries.

In 2015, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 11 million children.

Shoebox gifts are collected in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom.

More than 500,000 volunteers worldwide, with more than 100,000 of those in the United States, are involved in collecting, shipping and distributing shoebox gifts.

Process:

Individuals, families, churches and groups fill empty shoeboxes with gifts of toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.

During National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23, Samaritan’s Purse will collect the gift-filled shoeboxes at more than 4,000 drop-off sites in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Operation Christmas Child also offers the opportunity year-round to pack personalized shoeboxes online. Go to samaritanspurse.org and click on “Operation Christmas Child” to select toys and gift items, write a note of encouragement, and “pack” them in a shoebox.

Shoebox gifts are prepared for overseas shipment at nine major processing centers across the United States—Atlanta; Baltimore; Boone, N.C.; Charlotte; Dallas; Denver; Honolulu; Minneapolis; and Orange County, Calif.

Samaritan’s Purse and its partners will deliver the gifts to children in more than 100 countries on six continents.

Donors can find out the country where their gifts are delivered by using the donation form found at samaritanspurse.org. Click on “Operation Christmas Child,” “Pack a Shoebox,” and then “Follow-Your-Box-Donation.”

Discipleship:

Over 4.7 million children have participated in The Greatest Journey, the child discipleship program developed by Samaritan's Purse to teach children who receive shoebox gifts to know and follow Jesus Christ through our global church network and over 200,000 trained local teachers.

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Media Resources:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/occ-newsroom/

History: Operation Christmas Child began in the United States in 1993 with 28,000 shoebox gifts. Since then, this Samaritan’s Purse project has collected and hand-delivered more than 124 million shoebox gifts to needy children in more than 150 countries, including:

Young refugees from the war in Syria living in northern Iraq (2013 and 2014)

Young typhoon victims in the Philippines (2013)

Young earthquake and cholera victims in Haiti (2010)

Children in China who were victims of the 2008 earthquake (2008 & 2009)

Young children in the war-torn Republic of Georgia (2008)

Hurting children stricken by poverty in war-ravaged Sudan (2007)

Children in Iraq, Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries (2006)

Young survivors of the horrific tsunami in Southeast Asia (2005)

School children attacked by terrorists in Beslan, Russia (2004)

Ugandan children devastated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic (2002)

Children in Honduras and Nicaragua left homeless by Hurricane Mitch (1998)

War orphans in Kosovo (1999), Bosnia and Croatia (1995-1996), and Rwanda (1994)

Did You Know? U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have all packed

Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for children in need.

Samaritan’s Purse is working in over 100 countries providing aid to victims of war, natural disaster, famine, disease and poverty.

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2015 Key Messages* For internal use only. Please do not distribute this document to media.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse and is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to more than 124 million children in more than 150 countries and territories.

For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. In 2015, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 11 million children.

2014 global collection total: more than 10.4 million

2014 U.S. collection total: some 8 million

By working with churches around the world, Operation Christmas Child shares the Good News of God’s love and salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. The shoebox gifts bless the children and provide opportunities to share the true meaning of Christmas.

Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution.

How does it work?

Anyone can participate! Just pack an empty shoebox with a “Wow” item—like a doll or soccer ball—and other fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Then take it to a drop-off location during National Collection Week, Nov. 16 – 23. Shoebox gifts are also received throughout the year at the Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, North Carolina.

You can find out how to pack a box and where to drop it off by visiting samaritanspurse.org/occ.

More than 100,000 volunteers in the United States, 500,000 worldwide and tens of thousands of participating churches allow Operation Christmas Child to reach millions of children each year.

Online Resources

Participants can follow their box online to discover where in the world their shoebox gift is delivered by using the donation form found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.

With a computer or mobile device, anyone can conveniently pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift on the Samaritan’s Purse website. These gifts will go to children in some of the hardest-to-reach countries. Go to samaritanspurse.org/occ to select toys and gift items, write a note of encouragement and “pack” them in a shoebox.

Follow Operation Christmas Child on Facebook (facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes), Twitter (@OCC_shoeboxes) and Instagram (@operationchristmaschild).

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Samaritan’s Purse Fact Sheet President & CEO: William Franklin Graham III

Founded: 1970, by Bob Pierce

Purpose: To provide immediate, no-red-tape response to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations-especially in locations where few others are working.

Projects: Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution.

You are encouraged to visit www.samaritanspurse.org for the most up-to-date information and latest stories and statistics for each of Samaritan’s Purse’s ministries.

Ministry Projects

U.S. Disaster Relief -Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters in the United States. We often stay behind after our initial response to rebuild or restore houses for needy families. Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters in the United States. We often stay behind after our initial response to rebuild or restore houses for needy families.

International Crisis Response-Samaritan’s Purse stands ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. We specialize in meeting critical needs for victims of conflict, disaster, famine, and epidemics throughout the world, often working through ministry partners on the ground. We provide food, water, shelter, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Operation Christmas Child – Since 1993, more than 124 million boys and girls in over 150 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of a simple shoebox gift from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.

The Greatest Journey: The Greatest Journey consists of 12 engaging Bible lessons that local trained teachers are using to instruct the next generation of believers on how to become devoted followers of Christ and boldly share their faith with others. Many children who receive Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts participate in The Greatest Journey.

Children's Heart Project - Samaritan's Purse has brought more than 600 children with life-threatening heart defects to North America for surgery not available in their home countries.

World Medical Mission - Each year, the medical arm of Samaritan's Purse places hundreds of doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals in voluntary, short-term service with hospitals and clinics in the world's least developed countries. The project also provides overseas hospitals with critically needed medical equipment and supplies.

Operation Heal Our Patriots: Operation Heal Our Patriots focuses on bringing spiritual refreshment, physical renewal, and marriage enrichment to wounded and injured U.S. military service members and their spouses. To thank these brave men and women for their service and sacrifice, we offer programs uniquely developed to strengthen the marriage relationship and build hope for the future through the transforming power of God’s Word.

Greta Home and Academy: The Greta Home and Academy is a safe place for orphaned and vulnerable children in Haiti to receive an education and grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. It was named in honor of Fox News host Greta Van Susteren, whose advocacy for the people of Haiti helped save thousands of lives

Offices: Headquartered in Boone, N.C., Samaritan's Purse has affiliate offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia; plus field offices in 15 developing countries.

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Frequently Asked Questions For the most up-to-date information, stories, and statistics, please visit www.samaritanspurse.org. Q: What is Samaritan’s Purse? A: Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham, eldest

son of Dr. Billy Graham. The non-profit organization specializes in meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, disease, and natural disaster, in order to demonstrate God’s love and earn a hearing for the Gospel. Samaritan’s Purse headquarters is in Boone, North Carolina, with offices in Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Q: What is Operation Christmas Child? A: Every day, boys and girls worldwide suffer from war, poverty, disease, and natural disaster. Operation Christmas

Child, an annual outreach of Samaritan’s Purse, makes it possible for millions of these children to experience God’s love through shoeboxes filled with gifts.

Each year, simple gifts are packed in shoeboxes by people in Austria, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Spain, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, then delivered to hurting children around the world. More than 124 million children in over 150 countries have received shoebox gifts since 1993.

One of the things that makes Operation Christmas Child so special is its emphasis on kids helping kids. This project provides a simple, tangible way for children and teenagers to join adults in introducing children to the eternal joy, hope, and life found in Jesus Christ.

Q: How did the project get started? A: Operation Christmas Child began in Wales in 1990 to help suffering children in Romania’s orphanages. Since

Samaritan’s Purse adopted the program in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has distributed over 124 million gift-filled shoeboxes, many of them to children who have never received a Christmas present.

Q: How do the shoeboxes get to the children? A: Samaritan’s Purse transports shoeboxes via truck, train, plane, or sea freighter. Once they are in the country, the

shoeboxes are delivered to the children through local churches and Christian ministries. Shoebox gifts have been delivered in country by truck, donkey, dugout canoe, boat, and helicopter!

Q: Who pays for the project? A: The gift-filled shoeboxes are donated, but Samaritan’s Purse has to cover all costs related to getting them into the

hands of the children. Therefore, Samaritan’s Purse suggests a donation of $7 or more for each shoebox. These contributions, along with special donations from churches, groups, and individuals, offset the cost of the project.

Q: Who can be involved in Operation Christmas Child? A: Anyone can participate by filling a shoebox with a few toys and basic necessities and delivering it to a Relay or

Collection Center or mailing it to a Processing Center. Thousands of groups, including churches, Sunday School classes, youth groups, Christian school classes, businesses, and civic organizations, participate in the project each year.

Q: What should people put in a box? A: First, select an age category for a boy or a girl you would like to help: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14 years old. Then, fill a box

with appropriate toys and other items for a child that age. Popular items include small toys, stuffed animals, balls, games, candy, T-shirts, coloring books, school supplies, and hygiene items such as soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste. The children also enjoy personal notes and family photos that people include in their shoeboxes.

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Q: With all the other needs facing children, why are you sending toys and gifts? A: Operation Christmas Child is only a part of ongoing international relief work by Samaritan’s Purse. In 2014,

Samaritan's Purse was involved in dozens of other children’s relief projects around the world. Samaritan’s Purse distributes Christian literature in a child’s own language along with the shoebox gifts through local

churches and national believers so children might come to know the true meaning of Christmas. Shoeboxes are a very personal way to let children know they are cared about and that God loves them. What child does not feel special and loved when a gift is given? Many children who receive shoebox gifts are also invited to participate in a 12-lesson discipleship program developed by Samaritan’s Purse called The Greatest Journey.

Q: How can people get involved with Operation Christmas Child? A: Call (800) 353-5949 to request a project brochure/group kit. For additional information, please visit the Samaritan’s

Purse website at www.samaritanspurse.org. Q: In what other projects is Samaritan’s Purse involved? A: Samaritan’s Purse is involved in ongoing projects in over 100 countries. The Samaritan’s Purse

website provides specific information on our involvement in each of these countries. Q: Does Samaritan’s Purse support any projects in the United States? A: Samaritan’s Purse has a number of ongoing projects currently in the U.S. One of the largest is the

Disaster Relief Project, which offers assistance to victims of major natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, ice storms, and tornadoes. Coordinating with other relief agencies, we provide debris removal, temporary weatherproofing, clean-up of flooded homes, reconstruction of residences, and other disaster aid. When disaster strikes and local resources cannot handle the situation, Samaritan’s Purse staff typically travel to the affected area with Disaster Relief Units, custom-built trailers that are equipped with tools and supplies to support the relief efforts.

For the most current volunteer opportunities through Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief, visit our web site at www.spvolunteernetwork.org. Q: How can I get involved with Samaritan’s Purse? A: Samaritan’s Purse invites your involvement in the following ways:

Volunteering—Samaritan’s Purse maintains a list of volunteer teams that are willing and eager to help victims of natural disasters. We have learned that placement of volunteer teams is more effective than individuals, and so we encourage churches and groups to organize work teams, both for domestic and international relief. If you would like to become part of an existing team in your area, please call Samaritan’s Purse at (828) 262-1980 or e-mail us at disasterresponse@samaritan.org. Doctors and dentists can also volunteer for short-term service trips to missionary hospitals around the world through World Medical Mission. For more information, e-mail us at wmminfo@samaritan.org or call (828) 262-1980. Financially—Samaritan’s Purse is a non-profit organization that is fully funded by outside donations. Tax-deductible financial gifts can be made toward a number of different ministry projects. Donations can be made online at www.samaritanspurse.org, or by mailing a check designated for a specific project or “where most needed” to P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

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Prayer Support—Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child has an overwhelming sense of the importance of regular, intentional prayer to undergird our efforts. Our bi-monthly publication, “PrayerPoint,” describes some of the projects Samaritan’s Purse is currently involved in and how people can be praying for these efforts. To request a free subscription, call your regional office or e-mail us at info@samaritan.org. The chief goal of Operation Christmas Child, like all other projects at Samaritan’s Purse, is to tell people about the eternal hope and life found in Jesus Christ. We can work to master the logistics—coordinating pick-ups, scheduling shipments, and setting up distributions—but we cannot change hearts. As Christians though, we have access to the only One who can. We rely on people to pray intentionally and regularly, all year round, for the children we reach. If you are willing to make this commitment, we invite you to join our “Prayer Network.” If you would like to be a part of this essential and powerful ministry, call your regional office or e-mail us at occprayer@samaritan.org.

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Spiritual Impact Stories (Additional Spiritual Impact stories can be found on the Extranet.) Georgia Jakhishvili Nika, 13 years old boy. After he completed discipleship program he together with a teacher talked to his parents and with his older sister, open a class in his own house. Right now around 14-15 children 10-13 years old , come to his place for classes. Guyana Krishna, a Hindu boy from the village of De Kindered on the West Coast thought he could never attend a Christian church because of his parents’ Hindu background and would not be allowed to attend church services or have friends from the church. During the February (shoebox) Gift Distribution, Krishna received a gift box and the booklet “The Greatest Gift Of All” (GGOA) from a volunteer whose ministry was concentrated in the street to target the un-churched. He was happy to see the contents and share the excitement with his parents and friends. Krishna had an accident puncturing his abdomen and damaging his spleen; chances of life for Krishna looked dim and his parents were worried about post surgery. They were told by the Doctors they couldn’t do anything more, they’ve done their best, and now they (Krishna’s parents) will have to pray and hope for the best. The parents went home read the GGOA booklet and prayed to Lord Jesus. The next day on their visit to the hospital they notice signs of improvement and decided to take a step further by going to the church in search of the volunteer and ask for prayers. They were surprised at the welcome they received and the concern shown by the members of the church. The church prayed and visited Krishna in the hospital. Krishna is out of the hospital today and is doing The Greatest Journey lesson # 1. His father stood up in church one morning and testifies of how he prayed to Lord Jesus and Lord Jesus Heard him and grants his request. The entire family gave their lives to the Lord and is attending church regularly. Macedoina In many churches in Macedonia the OCC project is the only children ministry project that is being used to reach non-believing children. It helps churches, and many others to organize evangelical events for children and their parents and to open doors of their churches to non-believers and present the Gospel. Mexico Cristian Ruiz is 9 years old and he was invited to the Hope event with the shoeboxes. On the event day he arrived very happy but we noticed that he was hiding his feet. We approached him and ask what happened. He told us he was wearing his mom’s shoes because he didn’t have any. When he opened his shoebox he was surprised to find a pair of shoes of his size. He was very happy. He attended the discipleship program, The Greatest Journey, very enthusiastic and started to pray for his father to see a change in him because he was an alcoholic. He showed great interest in all the topics and faith that God would do something in the life of his father. His father stopped drinking and Cristian is very thankful to God and to the teachers of The Greatest Journey discipleship program

Nepal His father was an alcoholic; what little money he earned from working at a carpet factory, he spent on alcohol. His mother made a living by washing dishes and clothes for the neighbors. He often slept on an empty stomach. At 10-years-old, he left home. He lived on the streets of Kathmandu for nearly three years, picking up rags, smoking and sniffing glue. Sometimes, he had to steal in order to stay alive. Even his difficult life on the street was a better alternative than living in a home plagued by domestic violence. He moved in and out of various shelters, leaving each after a week or so because he never felt comfortable. He frequented a feeding program, but often got in fights during the meals—even with bigger, stronger boys. Staff at the feeding program tried mentoring him to no avail. One day, he stopped by the feeding program and received more than food. He was surprised and overjoyed to receive a shoebox full of gifts, and felt more loved and welcomed than he ever had before. All day long, he played with the gifts

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with a huge smile on his face – a smile that had been changed from the angry scowl he usually wore. After receiving the shoebox gift, he had the opportunity to stay at the shelter where the feeding program was based. Staff began counseling him, and he went to rehab to break his addictions of glue sniffing and smoking. Slowly, as the staff shared the Gospel and the love of Christ with him, he began to go to church and enrolled in school. Eventually, he was healthy and stable enough to return home. His mother saw the changes that had occurred in him when he shared the Gospel with her. Soon, she began attending church with him, and accepted Christ as her Savior as well. Seeing the changes in his wife and son, the father also began attending church. The entire family has now accepted Jesus Christ, as their Savior, and live in a stable home!

Philippines I thank the Lord for giving me a privilege to be a recipient of the Operation Christmas Child. The Sunday before our gift-boxes were given, we were given instructions as to how we could claim our gift-boxes in an organized manner. I was a little apprehensive because I thought I would not fit the group of children lining up for gift boxes since I was the only one who looked big for my age. However, when the gift-giving event started, my mother encouraged me to join-in and though reluctant, I went in. And I was very happy that I did. The room was full of kids and true enough, I was the biggest of them all. But all of my insecurities left me with I got hold of my own gift-box. It was full of the things that I really dreamed of having: pens, wallets, stuffed-toy, lip balm, comb, a fancy notebook, candies. I also got a card and a picture from the couple who donated my gift-box and I thought of thanking them personally by sending them a letter. I did not regret to be a part of this gift-giving experience. Also, I thank God for giving Jesus as a special gift for all humanity. Someday, I want to give a gift to some kid out there who needs to know about Jesus too.

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Commonly Used Terms

Connect Conference: These conferences are held each spring to provide enrichment, encouragement and inspiration to our Connect Volunteers.

Connect Volunteer: These selected and equipped volunteers serve on Area Teams in year-round roles to share Operation Christmas Child with churches, community groups, prayer network partners, media outlets and to collect and transport packed shoeboxes.

Countdown Event: These events are held by Area Teams to encourage Project Leaders and shoebox donors in their ministry, generally during August and September.

Extranet: An interactive website for Connect Volunteers which features downloadable resources, the latest updates and opportunities to connect with OCC staff and other Connect Volunteers. www.occextranet.org

OCC Promotional Kit: This kit is usually mailed out in September and contains OCC information, videos, and promotional supplies.

Project Leader: This person leads the charge for Operation Christmas Child within their church or community group.

Regional Point of Contact: This is the individual from the regional level of OCC with which you will have the most contact. This person could be a Regional Director, Regional Manager, Regional Area Strategist, or Regional Area Coordinator.

Vision Trip: These are trips overseas where select volunteers, ministry partners and staff are able to participate in the distribution of shoebox gifts.

Acronyms AC: Area Coordinator AT: Area Team BASBO: Build a Shoebox Online CC: Collection Center CCC: Collection Center Coordinator MC: Ministry Coordinator NCW: National Collection Week NLT: National Leadership Team OCC: Operation Christmas Child PC: Processing Center POP: Point of Purchase (brochure holders) RAC: Regional Area Coordinator RAS: Regional Area Strategist RC: Relay Center RCC: Relay Center Coordinator RO: Regional Office SP: Samaritan’s Purse TGJ: The Greatest Journey (follow-up discipleship program for shoebox recipients)

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