The Operation Christmas Child ministry project was started in 1990 by Dave Cooke and his wife, Gail in war-torn Romania. Adopted by Samaritan’s Purse in 1993, the project collects shoebox gifts filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and fun toys and delivers them around the world to children in need or war-torn areas.
The ministry has provided an open door for people to be a part of evangelism efforts around the world by filling shoebox gifts. The shoeboxes are a tangible way to demonstrate God’s love for others and for many children, are their first gift ever. You are invited to personalize your shoebox by enclosing a letter or card with a picture to the child who will receive your gift.
The shoeboxes are delivered into the hands of children in need through local churches across the globe as part of an outreach event.
Since 2009, more than 18.9 million children who have received a shoebox gift have also participated in a discipleship program called “The Greatest Journey.” It’s a 12-lesson where the children learn what it means to follow Jesus and share their faith with friends and family.
In 2019 Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas Project of its kind, hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 Million children in more than 100 countries, including 50 hard-to-reach areas.
A donation of $9 is critical for the project and provides for processing, shipping, training local churches, as well as “The Greatest Gift Gospel “ booklets that are included with the shoeboxes.
PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE: toothpaste, candy, food items. seeds, liquids, used or damaged items, war-related toys or breakables in your shoeboxes.
South Louisville Baptist Church is happy to be serving as the Central Drop-off Center again this year. They will begin receiving shoebox gifts on the following schedule:
Sunday the 17th 1:00 - 3:00
Monday & Tuesday 9 - 4:00
Wednesday 9 - 7:00
Thursday 9 - 4:00
Friday 11 - 1:00
Saturday 9 - 12:00
Sunday 11 - 6:00
Monday 8 - 9:00 AM
For details or to schedule an appointment to drop off your shoeboxes please contact Dinah Smith 662.803.9804
