Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a ‘global Christmas gift exchange’ project operated by Samaritan’s Purse. Each November it opens thousands of locations, typically at churches or schools, to collect shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, personal items, and other gifts. These boxes are then distributed as Christmas gifts, accompanied by Christian literature. From 1993 through 2008, some 69 million gift boxes have been handed out in more than 130 countries. In 2010, over 8 million boxes were delivered to needy children around the world.