The annual collection week for Operation Christmas Child, a project by Samaritan’s Purse, has commenced with nearly 5,000 drop-off locations opening nationwide. From November 17 to 24, individuals and groups in Arizona can contribute by packing shoebox gifts containing toys, school supplies, and personal care items for children in need.
For over three decades, Operation Christmas Child has been delivering these gifts globally. In 2025, the initiative aims to collect enough shoeboxes from Arizona to help achieve its worldwide goal of reaching 12 million children. The project collaborates with local churches worldwide to deliver these gifts as expressions of love.
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, emphasized the significance of each gift: “Every shoebox gift is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl that God loves them. That’s why we do what we do.” He expressed gratitude for participants who pack these boxes as they pave the way for sharing the Gospel.
Participants can locate nearby drop-off points using an online tool searchable by city or ZIP code. For those preferring online options, samaritanspurse.org/buildonline offers a platform to select age-appropriate gifts and personalize virtual shoeboxes with photos and notes. These online-built boxes reach children in remote areas like jungles and islands.
Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has distributed over 232 million shoeboxes across more than 170 countries and territories.
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