Operation Christmas Child

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to show God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Working alongside local churches, this ministry shares the Good News of Jesus Christ and helps make disciples of all nations.

Each shoebox is a gift filled with love, delivered with a Gospel booklet called The Greatest Gift. Over the past 30+ years, more than 220 million children in 170+ countries have received a shoebox and heard the message of Jesus!

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

1. Choose Boy or Girl and age group: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14

2. 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.)

3. Add a Personal Touch — write a note and/or include a photo of yourself or your family.

3 Steps to Send a Shoebox

1. 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 Ward Church for $10 in the brochure envelope on top of the items inside your box.

2. Label & Secure — attach the label and use a rubber band to keep the box closed.

3. Bring to Ward — drop off your completed shoebox during the collection dates below.

Ward Church Shoebox Drop-off Details

Collection Dates (for Ward Church Members and Attendees)

Sundays Nov. 9 – 16, 2025

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. 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• 11/19, Wed. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• 11/20, Thurs. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• 11/21, Fri. 12 p.m. – 5 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.