Suggested Items

This list is a combination of what Samaritan's Purse suggests as well as items that we feel are great additions to the OCC shoeboxes.

Items to include or donate for boxes:

Essentials: (we like to have enough of these items for EVERY box)
  • Soap (mild bar soap in plastic bag)
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpastes
  • Washcloths
  • Combs or Brushes
School Supplies:
  • Erasers
  • Pencils (some of these children cannot go to school if they do not have a pencil!)
  • Glue Sticks
  • Notebooks/Paper
  • Crayons
  • Pens
  • Markers
  • Stamp and Ink Pad Sets
  • Solar Calculators
Toys/Fun Items:
  • Playdough
  • Toy Cars
  • Small puzzles
  • Dolls
  • Coloring Books
  • Sunglasses
  • Balls
  • Yo-yos
  • Teddy Bears/ Small Stuffed Animals
  • Jacks
  • Travel Games
  • Flashlights (with extra batteries)
  • Kazoos
  • Harmonicas
  • Small Etch A Sketch®
  • Jump Ropes
  • Toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries)
  • Slinky®
  • Picture Books (remember many of these children cannot read English and some cannot read at all)
  • Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy),
  • Mints
  • Gum
  • T-shirts
  • Socks
  • Ball caps
  • Hair clips
  • Toy jewelry
  • Watches
  • Hats/Gloves
A Personal Note:
  • In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
Your Donation:
  • Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.
  • You may also write a check to the church and designate it for "Operation Christmas Child" on the memo line of the check. (Or place cash in an envelope and write "Operation Christmas Child" on the outside of the envelope) Then simply place it in the offering plate ANY Sunday throughout the year and it will be used to pay for shipping the boxes we send from the church.
DO NOT include:
  • Used/Damaged Items
  • Chocolate/Candy that will melt easily
  • Out of date candy
  • Food/Snacks that are not candy
  • Glass/anything breakable
  • Liquids of any sort including shampoos, lotions, bubbles
  • Weapons or toys with weapons
  • Military Figures
  • Medications or vitamins
  • Aerosol Cans