✝️ Operation Christmas Child: Bringing Hope in a Shoebox
🌍 What Is Operation Christmas Child?
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has shared more than 230 million gift-filled shoeboxes with children in over 170 countries. Each box is a tangible expression of God’s love, packed with simple items like toys, crayons, and soap—and each box carries the message of hope through Jesus Christ.
The ministry, run by Samaritan’s Purse, partners with local churches around the world to distribute boxes and share the gospel with children who may have never before received a personal gift.
💖 Why It Matters for Fort Myers Families
Operation Christmas Child is more than a global mission—it’s an opportunity for families right here in Southwest Florida to practice compassion together.
Teaches generosity: Kids and teens learn the joy of giving to someone they’ll never meet.
Builds global awareness: Our families can help children in difficult circumstances feel seen and loved.
Reinforces faith: Each box becomes a reminder that God’s love reaches across borders.
Creates family connection: Packing, praying, and delivering a box together turns faith into action.
🎁 How to Pack Your Shoebox
Choose your box. Use a regular shoebox or order one from Samaritan’s Purse.
Label the age & gender.
Fill it with love. Include:
A “wow” item (toy, doll, soccer ball)
School supplies (pencils, crayons, notebooks)
Hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, hairbrush)
Accessories (socks, hat, or sunglasses)
Optional note or family photo
Add a $10 donation (optional). This helps cover shipping and discipleship materials.
Pray. Pray for the child who will receive your gift—that they’ll feel God’s love through your box.
Drop it off. Bring your completed box to a local drop-off site during National Collection Week (November 17–24, 2025).
📍 Fort Myers Drop-Off Locations
Here are a few convenient places in Lee County accepting shoeboxes this season. Please confirm hours before visiting.
McGregor Baptist Church
3750 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33966
📞 (239) 936-1754 | mcgregor.net/occ
A long-time regional drop-off site hosting packing parties and community events.
First Baptist Church of Fort Myers
1735 Jackson St., Fort Myers, FL 33901
📞 (239) 334-7747 | Check with the church office for this year’s collection hours.
East Crawford Missionary Baptist Church
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Use the official drop-off locator and enter your ZIP code to confirm current details.
New Life Church Bonita Springs
3971 Via Del Rey, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
A great option for South Lee County families.
Pine Island Baptist Church
5320 Doug Taylor Cir., St. James City, FL 33956
Ideal for families living on or near Pine Island.
✅ Family Packing Checklist
Label your box:
☐ Boy 2-4 ☐ Girl 2-4 ☐ Boy 5-9 ☐ Girl 5-9 ☐ Boy 10-14 ☐ Girl 10-14
Pack these items:
☐ 1 “wow” toy (stuffed animal, ball, doll)
☐ School supplies (crayons, pencils, notebook)
☐ Hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, washcloth)
☐ Accessories (hat, sunglasses, hair ties)
☐ Optional $10 shipping donation
☐ Prayer and personal note
Avoid:
Download or print a checklist from Samaritan’s Purse here: Printable Shoebox Checklist
🙌 How Schools and Churches Can Join
Host a packing party: Invite families to bring items and fill boxes together.
Set a campus goal: Challenge students to reach 100 boxes or more.
Incorporate service learning: Connect this project to community-service hours for middle and high school students.
Share stories: Announce how many boxes were collected and where they were sent—celebrate God’s work through your community.
💫 A Gift that Changes Lives
Every shoebox is more than a gift—it’s a message of hope. When a child opens that box, they see love in action. And when families in Fort Myers take part, we remind our kids that giving feels better than receiving, and faith grows when we serve others.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)