Operation Christmas Child equips and empowers local churches all over the world to share the Gospel. In the United States and 10 other countries, churches play an essential role in packing and collecting shoebox gifts that are lovingly filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items by individuals, families, and groups. Internationally, Operation Christmas Child in-country volunteers are part of leadership teams that identify and partner with local churches to distribute the shoebox gifts. In places where there are no churches, the teams have the joy of introducing the Gospel and sometimes starting churches. Operation Christmas Child would not be possible without an incredible network of trained volunteers. Local volunteer teams collect shoebox gifts within sending countries. Volunteer teams in receiving countries share the Gospel, distribute shoebox gifts, and make disciples.   

You too can send Good News and great joy as part of a joint effort with churches around the world. By packing shoebox gifts, you’re helping to spread the Gospel. Remember to make each shoebox gift fun, full, and personalized. Anyone can participate by filling an empty shoebox full of fun toys, school supplies, personal care items, and a “wow” item, such as a doll or soccer ball. The “wow” item makes a joyful first impression when the child opens the shoebox.  A $10 donation per shoebox helps cover shoebox collection, shipping, processing, training local volunteers, and Gospel materials.

Kalamazoo Free Methodist Church will be holding a Packing Party on November 17th after Worship service. We will meet in the church cafe at 11:30 am.  Our goal is to fill 100 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  Below are lists of suggested items.  We need more items for the shoeboxes.  Donations can be dropped off at the church office.