Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items. These boxes are delivered to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, this is the first gift they have ever received.

Every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share about Jesus Christ and God’s love. The boxes are delivered into the hands of children through local churches. Children also have the opportunity to go through a 12 week discipleship program called The Greatest Journey. The eternal impact of OCC averages out to 252 salvations every hour, 365 days a year!

Anyone can pack a shoebox. Individuals, families, and groups fill empty shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, such as dolls, soccer balls, stuffed animals, jump ropes and yo-yos. Then the shoeboxes are brought to a local church where they begin their journey to a special place somewhere around the world.

First Baptist Cleveland Packing Party

OCC Shoebox Distribution around the globe - photos courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse

You can donate items throughout the year to be used during the annual Packing Party in November. At the Packing Party, the church comes together to quickly prepare thousands of boxes with donated items.

Please place all non-cash donations inside the Operation Christmas Child collection bins near the entrances of the Main Campus. Donations must be of new and unused items only. No liquids are allowed.

Small stuffed animals and toys, plastic cups, clothing items, jump ropes, gallon & quart zip-lock bags

October 2021: small balls (tennis ball size or smaller), boys ankle socks for ages 2-4 and 10-14, match box size cars/trucks, round-tip scissors, toothbrushes

Note pads (hotels, St. Jude, etc.), stickers, Beanie Baby collections, conference swag (water bottles, pens, hats, t-shirts, etc.), cosmetic bags, adult shoe boxes, 2022 calendars

Not a shopper? Consider donating financially to support bulk purchasing of items for the Operation Christmas Child efforts at First Baptist Cleveland. You can give by check by including "OCC" or "Operation Christmas Child" in the memo field. For other giving methods, contact the church offices.

Go even further by joining the Operation Christmas Child volunteer team at First Baptist Cleveland. By joining the team, you can assist in preparation for the Packing Party, volunteer during National Collection Week, and help in other Operation Christmas Child functions throughout the year.

The Leadership Team: Susan Berry, Marcia Clement, Christy Williams, Debbie Thurmon, and Laura Butler