School supplies encouraged for Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child, a project of the international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, has been transforming lives around the globe since its inception. A dedicated volunteer, Cassie Todd, shared insights into the project’s mission, history, and impact on recipients and contributors.
“Our mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoebox gifts filled with small toys, personal care items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities,” Todd said. “We ship these simple gifts to children affected by war, poverty, disease, and disaster.”
Dave and Jill Cooke initiated the project in the United Kingdom in 1990. It merged with Samaritan’s Purse three years later, allowing the organization to provide relief and aid work. 
“Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to over 220 million children in more than 170 countries and territories,” Todd said.
One unique aspect of the shoebox gifts is the inclusion of school supplies, which many children worldwide cannot afford. For Olesea Makarets, a shoebox recipient from Moldova, supplies like pencils, crayons, and markers are a luxury. When Makarets received an Operation Christmas shoebox, she said she couldn’t take her eyes off the colorful markers. 
“My siblings and I shared the markers we had, but now I have received a pack of my very own,” Makarets said. 
Wright County residents have been actively involved in the project, and 15 churches have participated. In 2023, southern Missouri, including Wright County, collected 11,171 boxes. 
“Southern Missouri has set a goal of 11,729 boxes for 2024,” Todd said.
Various community groups have made significant contributions, including Mountain Grove and Norwood schools and a local Boy Scout Troop. “All donations, whether from groups, clubs, or individuals, are important,” Todd emphasized.
The response to including school supplies in the shoeboxes has been overwhelmingly positive. 
“As a teacher, I am aware of how important school supplies are for children to succeed,” Todd said. “Many families add school supplies to their shopping carts this time of year to add to the shoeboxes. Our community is very generous, and for that, we are so very thankful.”
During National Collection Week (Nov. 18–25, 2024), Samaritan’s Purse will collect the shoeboxes at over 4,700 locations across the U.S. 

“Shoebox gifts are prepared for shipment at eight major processing centers,” Todd explained. The gifts are transported using various means, including sea containers, trucks, airplanes, and dog sleds.

Shoebox gifts are delivered to over 100 countries annually. Individuals who pack a shoebox can make a $10 suggested donation to track their gift and discover its destination country.

Todd’s motivation to get involved stemmed from attending a local meeting. 

“I had been packing boxes for several years before I attended this meeting, but the meeting showed me how I could make an impact in another way,” she recalled. She cherishes the experiences of shopping for shoebox items with her family and praying for the children who will receive them.

Though Todd hasn’t seen children open the gifts in person, she has watched many videos. 

“It touches my heart to see the pure joy the children express as they unveil the gifts,” she said. “For many, I am told, it’s their first time receiving a gift.”

Operation Christmas Child aims to collect 10.6 million shoebox gifts in the U.S. and 12 million worldwide in 2024. National Collection Week in Wright County has drop-off locations at Mountain Grove First Baptist and Mansfield First Baptist. Samaritan’s Purse offers a virtual shoebox packing option at samaritanspurse.org/buildonl for those who prefer online shopping.

A Project Leader Workshop will be held on Sep. 14 at Mountain Grove First Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend and learn more about Operation Christmas Child.

For more information on packing guidelines and volunteer opportunities, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ or contact Fran Henry at occjoyfulpacker2022@gmail.com.