Sermon + Small Group Series: Loving Like Jesus
Featured
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.
Operation Christmas Child equips and empowers local churches worldwide to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. In the United States and 10 other countries, churches play an essential role in packing and collecting shoebox gifts. Internationally, Operation Christmas Child in-country volunteers are part of leadership teams who identify and partner with local churches to share the Gospel, distribute shoebox gifts, and make disciples. In places where there are no churches, the teams have the joy of introducing the Gospel and sometimes starting churches.
Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts that are lovingly packed by individuals, families, churches, and groups. The boxes are full of fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items. Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love. The gifts are distributed with a Gospel booklet about Jesus called The Greatest Gift. In the past 30-plus years, more than 220 million children have heard the Gospel and received shoebox gifts in over 170 countries and territories.
Pick up an empty shoebox and instructions on Sundays, October 26 and November 2. Bring your packed shoebox to the Kiosk across from the Playscape in the Grand Mall on Sundays November 9 and 16.
What Makes a Great Shoebox?
Fun — include a “wow” item and other quality toys
Full — pack it to the brim with school supplies and personal care items
Personalized — cover your box in prayer and add a note or photo (often a child’s favorite part!)
3 Steps to Fill a Shoebox
Choose Boy or Girl and age group: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14
Select a Wow Item such as a doll, stuffed animal, truck, or soccer ball with pump. Then add school supplies, small toys, and hygiene items like a comb, brush, or toothbrush. (New for 2025: no soap is allowed.)
Add a Personal Touch — write a note and/or include a photo of yourself or your family.
3 Steps to Send a Shoebox
Pay the $10 Shipping Fee — either scan the barcoded label to pay online (track where your shoebox goes after the new year at SamaritansPurse.org) or place a check made out to Samaritan's Purse for $10 in the brochure envelope on top of the items inside your box.
Label & Secure — attach the label and use a rubber band to keep the box closed.
Bring to Ward — drop off your completed shoebox during the collection dates below.
Questions? Go here for more information https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box
Ward Church Shoebox Drop-off Details
Collection Dates (for Ward Church Members and Attendees)
Sundays Nov. 9 – 16, 2025
Drop off filled shoeboxes at the Current Focus Kiosk, located in the main hallway across from the Ward Church Playscape and WardKids Preschool area.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Sally at shoebox@ward.church
National Collection Week
Monday, Nov. 17 through Monday, Nov. 24, 2025
Ward Church’s Northville campus is serving as a community shoebox drop-off location this year, for area residents, churches and organizations.
Community Drop-off Instructions:
Ward Church is located at 40000 Six Mile Road, west of Haggerty Road in Northville, MI. When you enter our parking lot, look for signs guiding donors to the covered drop off at Entry 1. It is located on the Southwest corner of Ward’s building. We will have volunteers waiting to assist you during the hours below. Please do not drop off shoeboxes outside of the hours below.
Community Drop-off Hours:
11/17, Mon. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
11/18, Tues. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
11/19, Wed. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
11/20, Thurs. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
11/21, Fri. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
11/22, Sat. 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
11/23, Sun. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
11/24, Mon. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (No drop offs after 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24)
For drop offs over 250 shoeboxes kindly contact Sally at shoebox@ward.church or at 248-374-5927 to schedule a drop off time/day in advance. Thank you.
Questions? Contact Sally at shoebox@ward.church or call 248-374-5927.
Operation Christmas Child
Impact Stories
Below are a few examples of how God is at work around the world through Operation Christmas Child. As you read, be encouraged by the power of a shoebox gift and be sure to tell someone about at least one of these stories.
To read more stories of spiritual impact through Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ-latest.
