Special Access Shoebox Resources for Project Leaders
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As a preapproved Project Leader, I agree to only share these resources with those involved in packing Special Access shoebox gifts.
I will only distribute copies of these materials to those who are packing Special Access shoebox gifts.
I will not disseminate the Special Access shoebox gift information online, via social media, or on other public forums.
Your church or group can play a special role in bringing great joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child! By packing Special Access shoebox gifts, you will send tangible expressions of God’s love into the world’s hard-to-reach places. As a Project Leader preapproved for packing Special Access shoeboxes, it’s important to communicate to others that these particular gifts need to be carefully prepared. They must be packed in adherence to strict customs regulations in order to safeguard partners who deliver the gifts, as well as the children who receive them.
All Special Access shoeboxes need to be packed in official boxes that are requested through your Operation Christmas Child regional office. These shoeboxes as well as the accompanying cartons will be delivered directly to the location you request. There should be no religious messages or symbols in a Special Access shoebox—including no Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child references or logos. Although you can’t pack religious content, please pray that God will touch many hearts as each box opens doors for evangelism, discipleship, and the multiplication of believers and churches.
When your church volunteer coordinator requests Special Access shoeboxes, they will receive additional information about how to return the packed boxes to Operation Christmas Child for delivery. Please Note: These specially-packed boxes cannot be shipped together with traditional shoeboxes.
Promotional Materials
Dania’s Story
Run Time: 2:54
A video about Dania who received her shoebox in a hard-to-reach area and saw it as specific answer to prayer for her family.
Dania’s Story: The Power of Prayer
Run Time: 3:50
God used a simple Operation Christmas Child shoebox to show His love to Dania, a girl living in severe poverty in the Middle East, and answer her family’s prayer for a much-needed item.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to participate in a Special Access Packing Party?
- Special Access Packing Parties must pack a minimum of 1,000 shoebox gifts. Note: Preprinted shoeboxes should be provided by your Operation Christmas Child regional office or contact.
- The packing party volunteer coordinator must guarantee all items in the shoebox are appropriate according to the Special Access Packing Party guidelines provided by your regional contact.
- The volunteer coordinator must be trained on how to complete and submit necessary paperwork by the area coordinator, central drop-off team leader, or regional staff member.
How do I request Special Access shoeboxes?
You can request shoeboxes by contacting your Operation Christmas Child regional office or contact. Please be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What is the projected number of shoeboxes to be packed?
- Where will shoeboxes be packed?
- Where can cartons and other supplies be shipped to?
- What is the projected date of the packing party?
Once your packing party is approved, your regional contact will email you detailed instructions regarding the supply shipment and how to return the filled shoeboxes.
What supplies are provided by Operation Christmas Child for a Special Access Packing Party?
- Prelabeled shoeboxes
- Tape
- Blank packing cartons
When will supplies be shipped?
Supplies will be shipped on the requested date scheduled by the packing party volunteer coordinator. The supply shipping dates occur between June and October.
What items can be packed in a Special Access shoebox?
Special Access shoeboxes are sent to sensitive countries, so some items are considered inappropriate to pack. For a detailed list of appropriate and inappropriate items, please refer to the Special Access Packing Parties guideline document provided by your regional office or contact.
When should I return the filled shoeboxes?
Filled shoeboxes should be returned during one of three specified shipping windows that occur in August, September, and October. Specific dates and detailed return information can be found in the Special Access Packing Parties Return Shipment instructions provided by your regional office or contact.
For additional FAQs please refer to the Special Access Packing Parties Guidelines provided by your regional office or contact.
Have questions or suggestions? Email occinfo@samaritan.org
