Do everything in love. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14

This page highlights inspirational Operation Christmas Child videos of shoebox recipients telling their stories and how the blessings they received in their shoebox gifts transformed their lives. We provide a synopsis of the videos and encourage you to think about details that we notice when watching these videos. This page is updated regularly so please visit it to hear the impact that shoeboxes have on the children who receive them. 
For more insight listen to this Podcast Interview:
The Ripple Effect: Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Recipient Gives Back
Yves' Story: From Hatred to Love
  • Shoebox recipient Yves Dushime praises God for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift he received when he was 11 years old living in Togo. It was the first gift he ever received, and God used it to help turn his heart from hatred to love.
  • As you listen to Yves' story, notice closely the living conditions of the refugee encampments. What are some items we can pack that will most benefit children living in similar conditions (backpack, school supplies, soap, toothbrush, water bottle)?
Dania's Answered Prayer
  • Dania grew up living in poverty in the Middle East. When she was a little girl she wanted something new that was her own, not something used, to feel that she was valued. One item that she and her family prayed for was a radio to keep up with the news. God answered their prayer with a special gift. 
  • ​The gift bolstered their faith reaffirming that God is in control of all things. How does the impact of the shoebox gift that Dania received inspire you?
Bryce's Story: Shoebox Starts Transformation
  • Bryce Pablo received a shoebox gift as a 4-year-old. He was happy to receive toy cars, a toothbrush, and some books. Struck by the generosity of a stranger, Bryce’s mother encouraged him to go to church to learn more about God. Three years later, he accepted Jesus Christ and led his family to follow the Lord as well!
  • ​How does Bryce's story motivate you to prayerfully pack shoeboxes full of toys, educational supplies, and hygiene items? 
Glady's Story: A Gift of Joy
  • Gladys, a 9-year-old girl living in Benin, Africa, praises God for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift she received that contained a blanket she had wanted. More importantly, she heard the Gospel at a festive outreach event and received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
  • We love to include soft blankets in our shoeboxes. What does Glady's story inspire you to include in your shoeboxes to add more joy to the lives of the receiving children? 
Schiméa's Story: Answered Prayer in a Shoebox
  • Schiméa Nguessan recalls how, as a boy, he prayed for a gift from God after his dad passed away. A short time later, he received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and it made him realize that God was his heavenly Father who loved him.
  • We know that many children who receive shoeboxes face a variety of hardship's. Schiméa explains how he was transformed by a stranger who demonstrated God's love with a simple gift. How can we ensure that all of our shoeboxes show God's love?  
Lejla's Story: Operation Christmas Child
  • Lejla Allison was one of the first children to ever receive an Operation Christmas Child shoe box when she was 11 years old. Growing up in war torn Bosnia, she lived in constant fear and on the verge of starvation. A simple shoebox gift showed her unconditional love and changed her life.
  • In desperate need of basic necessities, Leija said, “Being hungry is something you can’t put into words.” How can Leija's statement help to influence our choices for items that we include in our shoeboxes? 
David's Story: Operation Christmas Child
  • David's interest in how things, and people, can be restored to new life started when he was two years old with a toy car that he received in his shoebox while living in  post communist Romania. It was his first experience with a toy of his very own, he played with it for hours feeling God's love, and he cherished it for many years. 
  • We love packing shoeboxes for toddlers (they receive the least number of shoeboxes every year). Do you feel compelled to pack shoeboxes for the 2 to 4 year old age group after hearing David's story?  
Shanika's & Sherika's Story: OCC
  • ​Growing up in poverty, twin sisters Shanika and Sherika, were accustomed to sharing school supplies. When they received their shoebox gifts they realized how the items they received ultimately reflected the goodness of Christ, showing them that the Lord graciously provides. They felt God’s love for them. 
  • ​Shanika and Sherika share how thrilled they were to receive school supplies in their shoeboxes, notably two full-sized notebooks, pencils, a pencil sharpener and a calculator. Does their story inspire you to include complete educational kits in your shoeboxes including notebooks? 
Kevin's Story: The Gift of New Life
  • God used an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and the Greatest Journey to Transform an entire family in the small west African nation Togo.
  • Kevin's home has no indoor water and he is hungry without money for food on a daily basis. What are some items we can pack that will most benefit children living in similar conditions? Does Kevin's story make you want to provide a child with a water bottle?
Votey's Story: Loved by God
  • Eight-year-old Votey lives in a slum in Cambodia. She says she felt “loved by God” when she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift and was able to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
  • ​Look at the background as you watch Votey share her joy after receiving her shoebox gift. Most developing countries don't have any organized means of controlling solid waste. Should we avoid adding to the garbage crisis in these countries when we pack our shoeboxes by removing labels and packaging? 
Yuliya and a Shoebox Packed with Prayer
  • Yuliya's favorite gift initially when she opened her shoebox was a plush dog. She later realized the most important item packed in her shoebox was a letter with a specific prayer.  She explains how the Lord took a shoebox and placed it her hands when she didn't believe in God. He showed her that He cared for her and wanted her to know Him.
  • Most shoebox gifts don't have a note of any kind from the person who sent the box. Do  you include a letter in your shoebox gifts? Do you tell the receiving child that you are praying for him/her? 
Kwale's Answered Prayer
  • Kwale and his mother prayed that God would provide new shoes for him so he could  attend school. God used an Operation Christmas Child shoebox with a new pair of shoes that fit Kwale to answer that prayer and open Kwale's heart to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. 
  • Toddlers and 10-14 year old children receive the fewest shoeboxes every year. Kwale's story inspires us to pack shoeboxes for older children. How does Kwale's story inspire you?
Tsholofelo's Story: A Gift Multiplies
  • When an eleven year old in Botswana named Tsholofelo received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, it opened her heart to God. She participated in The Greatest Journey discipleship course and now actively shares Bible verses with her friends. Notice how worn her Bible is from her readings and sharing the Gospel with others.
  • What are ways that we can open our hearts to God and multiply our shoebox packing? How can we encourage others to pack more and better OCC shoeboxes?
Ernesto's Story: Passing On the Greatest Gift
  • Ernesto, a troubled young boy living in Mazatlan, Mexico, was excited when he received his very own soccer ball in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. After giving his life to Christ, Ernesto's behavior radically changed. Now, he uses the ball to help share Jesus with his friends.
  • Ernesto's story demonstrates why we love to give shoeboxes to 10-14 year old boys. What items can we include in a shoebox that can extend beyond the receiving child? 
Irina's Story: Adopted into God's Family
  • Irina Creek’s life was transformed when she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift when she was 10 years old and living in an orphanage. When she heard the Gospel message, she accepted Christ into her life and was thankful to be adopted into God’s family.
  • Sometimes we focus primarily on "Wow" items that we're including in our shoeboxes. What are some smaller items (Little Gems) that we can include in our shoebox gifts to help a child realize that he/she is beautiful?
Karabo's Story - Filling a Hole in His Heart
  • Karabo, an orphan living in Lesotho, a poverty stricken country in South Africa, recalls how God used an Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoebox to bring hope into his heart after he had lost everything.
  • Karabo dreaded being an orphan more than anything else. He explains that when he received his OCC shoebox he was filled with hope. He realized that God gave him what he needed, hope. Let us listen to Karabo ask us to prepare a gift today, pack a shoebox, give someone hope, love somebody today, and Spread the Gospel! 
Analyn's Story: Joy in the Philippines
  • Analyn Elliott grew up in a poor family in the Philippines, and it changed her life. She eventually became a training teacher for The Greatest Journey and now is a yearly volunteer packing shoeboxes with her church.
  • Analyn was excited to receive an OCC shoebox gift with a washcloth, pencils, and stuffed toys, but it was a box of crayons that gave her pure joy and made her feel blessed. What we can include in the shoeboxes we pack to make the receiving children feel truly loved and blessed by our gifts?
Andrés’ Story: God’s Love in a Shoebox
  • Andrés Almeida realized how much God loved him when he received an Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoebox in Ecuador when he was 10.Today, Andres is the senior pastor of a church and works to distribute shoebox gifts to children in need throughout South America.
  • Andrés explains how God has a plan for every child who receives a shoebox. How is God calling us to serve Him to spread the word of the Gospel to the next child who will become a pastor and share God's word with others?
Josephine’s Story: Made in His Image
  • Samaritan's Purse recently delivered gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to the Village of Light School for the Blind in Togo, West Africa. Josephine, 12, was one student encouraged by a shoebox gift and, along with her classmates, took part in The Greatest Journey.
  • We don't know the personal health or living conditions of the children who will receive our shoebox gifts. What are some sensory items that we can include in our shoebox gifts for the child who is blind, deaf, or orphaned to ensure that they feel loved and comforted? 
Nicky's Story: A Simple Act of Kindness
  • Nicky Schweickert received a gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoebox when he lived in an orphanage in Ukraine and realized that hearts can be changed for Jesus Christ through a simple act of kindness.
  • Living in an orphanage of 400-500 children gave Nicky a sense of belonging even though he didn't have a personal connection with anyone. He was overwhelmed with excitement and joy when he received an OCC shoebox. How can we listen better to God's word and follow in His footsteps to pack more and better shoebox gifts to demonstrate a simple act of kindness to change hearts to bring children to Jesus?
Veronica’s Story: Every Box Matters
  • Veronica Miranda received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift when she was 13 and lived in an orphanage in Mexico. The gift made her realize how much God loved her. Now, she packs shoeboxes to send to kids in need because she knows that every box matters.
  • ​The personal letter from the family who packed the shoebox that Veronica received was life changing for her and helped heal her heart. If we recognize that every box matters, what items can we include in a shoebox to help heal a child's heart?
Mwita Meets the Greatest Friend
  • ​Mwita learned at an early age how to fend for himself on the streets of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. After his parents divorced, left with his grandmother, he joined a gang and he learned from other kids how to steal.
  • He attended an Operation Christmas Child distribution event and then joined The Greatest Journey. His life was radically changed by Jesus Christ, the Greatest Friend. What can we do when packing shoeboxes to join Mwita in spreading God's love and encourage children to grow in their faith and take the Gospel to another generation?
Shoeboxes Bring Joy in Botswana
  • Anitah, a young girl living in Molepolole, Botswana, gives thanks to God for a wonderful day in which she received a shoebox full of gifts and heard about Jesus' love for her at an Operation Christmas Child outreach event.
  • Anitah shows us her home and family. Notice the size of the house that she lives in with her family of ten. How can we include personal items in shoeboxes for children while showing respect for their cultures and living conditions? 
Vladimir's Story: 
  • While growing up in Ukraine, siblings Vladimir Prokhnevskiy and  Nadia Karnatova received shoeboxes. Their father pastored an underground church and Nadia said, "My mother could not give us a gift, but Jesus did through Operation Christmas Child." The sister and brother rejoiced at how this answered their prayers and taught them about God’s unconditional love.
  • Think about the textures and scents that Vladimir was grateful to receive. How can we demonstrate God's unconditional love that Vladimir talks about while sharing his story in our OCC shoeboxes?
Kanto's Shoebox Story
  • Kanto received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift as a child, while living in Madagascar. Watch as Kanto shares her inspiring story about the difference a shoebox gift made to her life and the lives of children in Madagascar. 
  • Lack of footwear and basic necessities prevail in the countries where OCC shoeboxes are delivered. How can we better envision the living conditions of the children who will receive our shoeboxes when deciding on what we consider the most important tangible items to include in our shoebox gifts? 
Nestor's Story: Salvation in El Salvador
  • Nestor Gonzalez received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift while growing up in El Salvador and realized how much God loved him. Nestor felt joy that was absent from his life for many years when he received his OCC shoebox gift when he was 13 years old.
  • The smell and the crayons in Nestor's shoebox stood out to him, but the most important thing he experienced was knowing that God allowed someone that Nestor never met to give him a gift to show God's love for him. How can we better spread our love making a shoebox that will change a child's life through prayer? 
Kim’s Story: The Greatest Gift
  • Kim received a gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoebox when she was a young girl living in a poor province in Cambodia. Reading "The Greatest Gift" booklet from her box ignited an interest in God and led to her giving her life to Jesus Christ.
  • Receiving an OCC shoebox gift opened Kim's heart to receiving Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. How can we help ensure that the message of the gospel is reaching God's children to the ends of the earth by packing shoeboxes?
A Boy's Life Changed: Luis' Story 
  • Luis grew up living in a barrio. Expelled from school because of his negative behavior and poor choices, he was a rebel with no future before him. This changed when he was 13 years old after receiving and OCC shoebox and graduating from The Greatest Journey discipleship program. 
  • Notice Luis's home when he shares his shoebox gifts notably a washcloth, scissors, and a measuring tape. Luis now want to be a light in the darkness. How can we shed God's love in our OCC shoebox gifts?
​Saoni's Story: Kaleidoscope of Joy 
  • Children living in the Dominican Republic have limited options in their lives. Sanoi's favorite gift in her shoebox was a kaleidoscope because she never saw one before. She realizes through her gift that God is good and God loves her. 
  • The kaleidoscope that Sanoi received is representative of the kaleidoscope of Operation Christmas Child events beginning with us packing shoeboxes. What is our responsibility as shoebox packers knowing that we are reflecting God's light just as a kaleidoscope reflects optical light? How does that influence us in what we include in our shoebox gifts?
Karabo's Story: Filling a Hole in His Heart
  • When people tell Karabo Maretlane he’s lucky, he says, “I’m chosen.” Karabo grew up in a village in the southern African nation of Lesotho and was orphaned at a young age creating a deep feeling of loneliness in his heart.  
  • As you listen to Karabo's story pay close attention to the surrounding living environment. How can we make shoeboxes to bring hope to children living in these conditions and fill one of the holes in their hearts? What are specific items that we can include in our shoeboxes to make every child recognize that like, Karabo, they are chosen?
Nancy's Shoebox Story
  • Nancy Muwanas-Arias grew up in a hard to reach area the Middle East and received a shoebox gift when she was 11 years old. Her shoebox contained a photo of the couple who packed it and on the back of the picture was a note.
  • Nancy felt the love included in the note that read, "May God protect and watch over you is our prayer." How can we show our love for each child in a note or letter?
Kululu's Story: A Shoebox Showed Him God Cares
  • Kululu Atsiaya grew up in a slum in Kenya and faced severe hardships as a child. He first realized that God loved him when he received a gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoebox as a child.
  • One of the items that he received was a flashlight that lit up his physical environment. It also gave him hope and he felt a light in his heart. What items beyond flashlights can we include in our shoeboxes to add light to children's environment and their hearts?
Daniella's Shoebox Story
  • The impact of receiving an OCC shoebox lead Daniella to bring God's love to struggling children in need in a very tangible way. The Greatest Journey, discipleship program, teaches children to become faithful followers of Christ. 
  • Daniella is an inspiration to others to learn more about the impact of God on their lives. How can we include items in our shoebox gifts to demonstrate God's unending love for all of his children?
Marvellous' Story: God is Always There for You
  • Marvellous Okonne was separated from his family as a child and lived in an orphanage for a time before being reunited with his loved ones. When he was 8 years old, he received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and knew for certain that God loved him and would never leave him.
  • As you listen to Marvellous share his story look closely at his living conditions. What items can we choose to include or not include, for example unnecessary packaging, to ensure that we are using all the space in our shoeboxes to send quality items?  
Gergana's Shoebox Story
  • Growing up in Bulgaria, Gergana had to share everything, including school supplies, with her twin sister. Then one day, Gergana's grandmother took them to church and they received shoebox gifts! When Gergana opened the shoebox and saw her very own school supplies, she said "it was God's proof that He cares for me."
  • We include a variety of school supplies in our shoeboxes. We also donate educational materials for fillers to the processing center. How can we create "pencil packs" to make them special gifts filled with complete educational supplies to add to the receiving children's excitement?