Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that uses simple gift-filled shoe boxes to share the love of Jesus with children around the world. Each fall shoe boxes are packed by families, churches, schools, civic clubs and businesses. The boxes are then hand-delivered to children in more than 100 countries.

Bethel Church became involved in Operation Christmas Child in 1999. In 2006, Bethel became a relay center. This means that in addition to filling boxes ourselves, we are a drop-off location for other churches. You can leave your boxes at Bethel, and we pack them in cartons and transport them to the nearest collection center in Urbandale.

Year-Round Collection

This year we are going to try collecting year-round to fill shoeboxes. Below are the suggested items for each month, but you are welcome to bring any items you buy at any time during the year. We encourage you to look for clearance items whenever your shop.

  • January/February – toys (look for after-Christmas sales)
  • March – Hygiene items:
    • Toothbrushes
    • Soap/washcloths
    • Hairbrush/comb
  • April – Stuffed animals
  • May – Activities
    • games/puzzles/crafts
    • tools/sewing kits
    • coloring books
  • June – Boys’ clothing
    • shirts
    • shoes
    • socks
    • underwear
  • July – Girls’ clothing
    • shirts
    • shoes/flip flops
    • socks
    • underwear
  • August – School supplies
    • calculators(solar)
    • pencils/sharpener
    • notepads
    • pens
    • markers
  • September – Miscellaneous
  • October – Shipping money ($9 per box), letters, pictures
  • November – Pray for the shoeboxes we are sending out
  • December – Relax


How to pack a shoe box