Samaritan's Purse Will Launch Collection Week
Operation Christmas Child will open nearly 5,000 drop-off sites for shoebox donations starting November 16.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe participating in shoebox donation drives effectively addresses the needs of children in poverty?
Operation Christmas Child will host its annual shoebox collection week across the country from November 16 through November 23, 2026. This initiative encourages donors to fill boxes with essential supplies and toys for children in need.
Why it matters
The program aims to provide gifts to children living in areas affected by poverty, disaster, war, and disease. By leveraging global church partnerships, the project seeks to reach children in vulnerable situations worldwide.
The initiative has delivered 244 million shoeboxes to 175 countries and territories over its 33-year history. Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations are available for donors to participate in this year's collection week.
The players
Operation Christmas Child
This is a global project operated by Samaritan's Purse that facilitates the distribution of gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world.
Samaritan's Purse
This is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to people suffering in countries worldwide.
The details
Donors pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and personal care items to be distributed via global church partners. Participants may contribute $10 per box online to track the final destination of their specific gift.
Timeline
Collection week for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes is scheduled for November 16 through November 23, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the precedent set by 33 years of similar charitable operations by the organization. The project maintains its scale by coordinating local efforts to meet long-standing global humanitarian needs.
Residents in the Terre Haute area can contribute by dropping off filled shoeboxes at designated regional sites. Those who donate $10 per box online gain the ability to track the final destination of their contribution.
The takeaway
Donors should prepare their shoeboxes with school supplies, toys, and personal care items well before the November 16 start date. Tracking the destination of a gift can provide a more personal connection to the international impact of the donation.
What happens next
Collection week is scheduled to take place from November 16 through November 23, 2026, at various drop-off locations.
Further reading
For more information on local outreach efforts, visit the Terre Haute Philanthropy section.
Live Poll
Do you believe participating in shoebox donation drives effectively addresses the needs of children in poverty?
