Nine-year-old Ava Smith loves to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes! Why? “Because shoeboxes provide hope for children who might not have any hope,” she said. She became passionate about the Samaritan’s Purse project three years ago when she packed her first shoebox gift at her Christian school in Felton, Delaware. Ava then shared her enthusiasm…
Operation Christmas Child
Press Release Operation Christmas Child October 11-15-21
This Week: Drop-off Sites Open for Operation Christmas Child Boone, N.C., Nov. 15, 2021—As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many families and children are expressing gratitude by giving back to children in need around the world. For those who are including Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts as part of their holiday, more than 4,500 drop-off sites…
Discipleship, Education & Training
2025 High Country Warrior Ride Helps Strengthen Military Marriages
The rumble of motorcycles is a familiar sound in Boone, North Carolina—but on Saturday morning, the engines echoing near town signaled more than a mountain joy ride. More than 200 riders rolled out into the hills to show their support of military couples seeking healing for their marriages. Throughout the fall of last year, Samaritan’s…
Operation Christmas Child
5 Creative Ideas for Shoebox Packing
Shoebox season is here! As you pray about how your shoebox can bring great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to boys and girls in need, take a moment to check out our short list of innovative packing ideas. If you implement one or more of these suggestions and choose quality gifts, then…
Operation Christmas Child
Friendly Competition in Oklahoma Multiplies the Impact of Operation Christmas Child Around the World
Oklahoma youngsters Ava and Sam hold a friendly competition each year to see who can pack the most Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoeboxes. But, win or lose, their real goal is the same—to see kids all over the world come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Ava and Sam love to pack…
Operation Christmas Child
Festive Light Show Supports Operation Christmas Child
Doug Chester and his family in Granite Falls, North Carolina, bring Christmas joy to their community each year through a festive light show on their property. When people started to give money to help with the display, Doug decided that he wanted the donations to go to Operation Christmas Child. So, he created a cheerful,…
Operation Christmas Child
Press Release Operation Christmas Child Drop-off Locations Now Open
Operation Christmas Child Drop-off Locations Now Open BOONE, N.C.—Children in need are being blessed this Christmas season through the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child. Individuals, families and groups have the opportunity to pack a shoebox gift filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items and drop them off now during National Collection…
Crisis & Disaster Response
God’s Hand Evident as Tanzania Crash Survivors Return Home
UPDATED AUGUST 18 Three months ago, three Tanzanian children were airlifted on gurneys to the United States in critical condition and faced an unknown future. Today, Sadhia, Wilson, and Doreen arrived back home in the same Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 that flew them half-way around the world for lifesaving medical care. Our aircraft took off the…
Health & Medical Ministries
God’s Love Transforms Hearts
Vanessa was mad at God and questioned why He had allowed her son Mateo to be born with a hole in his heart. Mateo had to limit his physical activity because he was easily tired and out of breath. Even when he felt OK, his family cautioned him against running too hard or too long…
Women's Programs
Nutrition Training Saves Lives in the Philippines
He cried relentlessly throughout the night, struggled with a persistent cough, and had no appetite. “We did not know why he would not stop crying,” said Nilma, the child’s mother. Nilma decided to ask for help from Mailyn, a community health worker trained by Samaritan’s Purse in the Philippines. Mailyn could tell that Ziyad, or…
