Operation Christmas Child

Why We Partner with Operation Christmas Child

At GEMS Girls’ Clubs, we are honored to partner with Operation Christmas Child (OCC)—a ministry that shares our deep passion for reaching children around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through packing shoeboxes, our clubs help send the message of God’s love into the hands—and hearts—of children worldwide.

This partnership allows us to amplify our collective impact and reach more lives with the truth that Jesus is the Greatest Gift.

In order to keep track of all the packed shoeboxes, we would love to have you complete this form here when you have turned in your shoeboxes.

If you still have any questions about the program after viewing the links below, please contact occinfo@samaritan.org.

2025 Completion Form

Order Materials

Visit Operation Christmas Child’s Resources and Ideas Hub (US) or visit the Operation Christmas Child Canada page.
Receive FREE materials (US) or FREE materials (CAN)
Order preprinted shoeboxes (US) or preprinted shoeboxes (CAN) to fill with gifts
Download videos to show to your club

Pack and Assemble

Consider hosting a packing party for one of your Blessing Nights, maybe during September or October. Set a goal for your club and start collecting today!
Collect shoeboxes or plastic containers and fill them with gender- and age-appropriate items. If you wrap your shoebox, be sure to wrap the lid separately from the rest of the box.
Learn how to pack a shoebox (US) or Learn how to pack a shoebox (CAN).
Use the step-by-step guide to customize your packing party experience and to order free materials.

Cover Ministry Costs

Make a donation for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and program expenses.
If you give online through Follow Your Box (US), you can discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

Drop Off

Place a rubber band around each shoebox and bring them to one of nearly 5,000 drop-off locations open during National Collection Week, the third week in November.
Make sure to indicate that you’re with GEMS Girls’ Clubs when you fill out the drop-off log.

Host A Guest Speaker

Contact your Operation Christmas Child regional office (US) to be put in contact with potential speakers, including local volunteers, youth who helped deliver shoebox gifts, and even shoebox recipients.
This could be a great option to include in a Blessing Night!

Share on Social Media With Operation Christmas Child

Post photos of your club participating in Operation Christmas Child to our social media using the hashtags #ipackedashoebox #GEMSblessing

Helpful Links

How to Pack a Shoebox (US) or Pack a Shoebox (CAN).
Find your nearest drop-off location (US) or Drop-off Locations (CAN).
Follow Your Box (US).
Children’s resource page (best for girls 10 and under)
Family & Children’s Resources (US) or Children’s Resources (CAN)
Project Leader Page

2025 Completion Form Operation Christmas Child