Operation Christmas Child shares God’s love in a tangible way by delivering gift-filled shoeboxes and the message of the Gospel to children around the world this Christmas.
At Rhema FM, we are thrilled to be a pick-up and drop-off site for Operation Christmas Child, a heartwarming initiative by Samaritan’s Purse. This global project brings joy and hope to children in need through gift-filled shoeboxes. Here’s everything you need to know to get involved and make a difference this holiday season.
We also are offering Operation Christmas Child BOXES available from Rhema Studios, Newcastle.
What is Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. Since 1993, it has collected and delivered over 220 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries and territories. These shoeboxes are filled with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, providing not just material gifts but also a message of love and hope. In 2023 alone, more than 11.3 million shoebox gifts were collected globally!
How to pack a shoebox
- Shoebox: Get your shoebox from Rhema FM Newcastle (30 Warabrook Blvd, Warabrook), or place an order to receive one HERE
- Gifts: Choose a boy or girl and age group (2-4, 5-9 or 10-14) and fill your shoebox with gifts.
- Donate: A donation of $12.50 per box is essential to cover shipping and other project costs. For the easiest processing, you can give online through operationchristmaschild.org.au, or you can give by bringing in $12.5 into Rhema studios (exact change is required).
- Label: Every shoebox gift must be clearly labelled. Visit the Donations & Labels page at operationchristmaschild.org.au to order your labels when you make your $12.50 donation, or use the label included in The ‘How to Pack’ brochure. Please ensure the label clearly indicates if you packed for a boy or girl and which age category, then stick it on your shoebox!
- Pray: Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your shoebox gift and for their family and community to be transformed by the Gospel.
Ideas for your shoebox
Fill your shoebox with simple gifts and aim to include something from each of the six categories:
- Something to wear
- Something to play with
- Something for school
- Something to love
- Something special
- Something for personal hygiene
You can download the full list of gift ideas here.
Once filled, feel free to drop it off at Rhema Newcastle between 8am 2pm on weekdays until October 26th. We can’t wait to see you soon!
See below how shoeboxes are distributed across Australia and New Zealand:
For more information on how to pack a shoebox, or to get involved, you’re invited to follow Operation Christmas Child Australia & New Zealand on Facebook and Instagram. Additional information can also be found at operationchristmaschild.org.au.
Written by: Rhema FM Marketing
Images: Supplied by: Samaritan’s Purse
