Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a project run by Samaritan's Purse where people fill shoeboxes with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies to deliver to children in need around the world, aiming to demonstrate God's love through a tangible gift and share the Gospel message with them through local church partners; essentially, it's a way to send Christmas cheer to children in impoverished areas by providing them with a simple gift box.

Operation Christmas Child 2024 Recap & 2025 Goals

Let’s work together to bring joy, hope, and the love of Christ to children around the world—one shoebox at a time.

Important Events & Dates

Christmas in July – July 14–18
During Vacation Bible School, Operation Christmas Child will be our missions focus. Volunteers are welcome—even one day of help can make a big impact. Contact Wendy if you’d like to get involved.

Adopt-a-Pet Fundraiser – Saturday, July 19
At Blanco Market Days, adopt a stuffed animal for a $10 donation. Each one helps fill a shoebox and gives kids a fun way to participate.

Shoebox Packing Party – Sunday, August 3 (After Service)
Join us after church as we come together to pack all 600 boxes. Want to help with setup? Come Saturday, August 2 at 2:00 PM.

Holiday Photo Fundraiser – Sundays, November 9 & 16
After the service, have your Christmas photo taken in exchange for a donation of $25 to $50. All proceeds support OCC.

National Collection Week – November 17–23
Drop off your packed boxes during this time or volunteer to help collect, sort, and send them off on their journey.

Ways to get involved

Donate Financially
Sponsor a box, give monthly, or participate in our fundraisers. Every dollar goes toward supplies and shipping.

Volunteer Your Time

Help at the Packing Party (August 3)
Set up on August 2
Serve during National Collection Week (November 17–23)
Join a workday to sort, organize, or craft small items like jump ropes

Join a Trip to Dallas
We are organizing a trip to the OCC Processing Center in Dallas the week after Thanksgiving to help inspect boxes before international shipping. Let us know if you're interested.

Support or Promote Fundraisers
Encourage your friends and family to join in through our summer and fall fundraising events.

Planning a Trip to Branson?
Thanks to last year’s shoebox challenge, FBC Blanco earned 10 tickets to Silver Dollar City (each worth $92). If you're heading to Branson before January 6, email wendywatson@earthlink.net to check availability. Tickets are available in exchange for a donation to OCC.

Don't know what to buy? We've got ideas...

If you're unsure what to purchase for Operation Christmas Child, we've made it easy with our Amazon Wish List! This list includes the most-needed items, ensuring every shoebox is filled with quality gifts. Simply visit the link to shop and have items sent directly to us. Your support helps us reach our 2025 goal of 600 shoeboxes—every donation makes a difference!

Amazon Wish List

Operation Christmas Child