.:operation christmas child:.

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children living in desperate situations both here in the U.S. and all around the world. These simple gift-filled boxes communicate God's love each year. Church of the foothills has long been a partner with Samaritain's Purse who have distributed more than 61 million boxes worldwide since 1993 when Operation Christmas Child began.

Throughout the month of October we will be gathering boxes from our faithful church family on Sundays. If you are unable to drop your box(es) at church feel free to drop them by the office during m-f 8-5pm before Nobember 3. If you have additional questions contact Cindy at the office 530-677-3057 ext 242 or by email.

HOW TO PACK A SHOE BOX
(download the below instructions in a printable PDF file)

1. SHOE BOX
Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. BOY OR GIRL?
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label shown at the bottom of this page. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box. (labels are available for download at the bottom of this page.)

3. FILL WITH GIFTS
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.  Use the gift ideas provided below.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION
Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. 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.

5. DROP OFF
Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at church any Sunday in October or bring it by the church office during normal business hours on or before November 3. If you have additional questions contact Cindy at the office 530-677-3057 ext 242 or by email.

GIFT IDEAS
TOYS 
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc. 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES 
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books.

HYGIENE ITEMS 
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth.

OTHER 
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) 

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.) 

DO NOT INCLUDE: 
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

click image to download labels

If you have additional questions contact Cindy at the office 530-677-3057 ext 242 or by email.