1. Find an empty shoe box (standard size please). You can wrap it - lid separately, if you would like - but wrapping is not required.
2. Decide whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print and cut out the appropriate label, tape it on the top of your box, and mark the correct age category.
3. The first ingredient to pack in your shoe box is prayer (1 John 5:14).
4. Fill the box with a variety of non-breakable, non-perishable, non-liquid gifts like small toys, stuffed animals, dolls, school supplies, hygiene items, and hard candy. Do not send war-related items such as toys, guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans; used or damaged items.
5. Enclose soap in sealable baggies to prevent other items from smelling or tasting like soap.
6. Enclose candy in sealable baggies, or if sending an entire bag of candy, leave it in the original bag. Do not use loose candy to fill open spaces.
7. 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.)
8. IMPORTANT: Enclose a check for $7.00 or more* in an envelope to help cover shipping and other costs. Please make checks payable to Samaritan's Purse, and note on the memo line that the gift is for Operation Christmas Child. If you are packing more than one box, you can make one combined donation in a single envelope. Place the envelope on top of the gift items inside your shoe box so it is clearly visible.
9. Place a rubber band around your box and lid.
10. Drop off your shoe box at the nearest Relay or Collection Center by November 24. Find nearest location.

Note: If you live outside the United States, dates, times and packing instructions may vary. See the Participating Countries list at the top right for a link to the nearest Samaritan's Purse office.

*The suggested donation increased in 2006 due to higher shipping costs and expanded evangelistic outreach. This was the first increase since the project began in 1993.