November 3, 2021
Packing/Drop-Off Instructions for Operation Christmas Child

Northland is packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child! We want YOU to pack a box! All grades can participate PK3-12th).

What?
Shoeboxes filled with items for children in need. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. Their mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We ship these simple gifts outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.
Who?
NCS Students!
  • Elementary students are challenged to pack at least one box on their own
  • Secondary students are challenged to bring items to their Life Group to pack multiple boxes together. 
  • All students are challenged to pack above and beyond the one box/items for Life Group

Why?
  • Each box is a tangible expression of God’s love.
  • For so many children, this shoebox gift is the first gift they have ever received.
  • Each child receiving a shoebox gift is invited to learn more about God and the greatest love ever!

How?
To pack a box at home:
  1. Find a shoebox (PK/Elementary students will be provided with one OCC box, to pack additional boxes use a shoebox or plastic tub that is shoebox-size)
  2. Get a box label (included in the boxes sent home with PK/Elementary, additional labels found at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/label-options)
  3. Select the gender and age range you wish to pack for on the label
  4. Fill the box (see list on back)
  5. Include a check for $9 to cover the shipping cost and place inside the box (*another option is to pay the shipping cost online and print a box label with a barcode, which will allow you to find out where your box was sent)
  6. Drop off packed boxes in these locations:
  •    Building One office
  •    PK/Elementary carpool (morning)
  •    Outside PK/Elementary office

When?
  • Packed boxes are due by Nov 16, 2021.
What to pack
(Age-Appropriate to the age range on your label)

A “Wow” Item
  • Doll
  • Soccer ball (deflated, include pump)
  • Stuffed animal
  • Small musical instrument
  • Backpack (older children)

Personal care items
  • Comb/brush
  • Toothbrush (no toothpaste allowed)
  • Flashlight (include batteries)
  • Blanket

Clothing and accessories
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Shirts/shorts/dress
  • Wristwatch
  • Small purse

School supplies
  • Pencils (include a sharpener) and pencil case
  • Markers
  • Notebook

Toys
  • Any kind of ball
  • Plastic dinosaurs
  • Cars with big wheels
  • Yo-yo
  • Marbles

Personal note
Secondary Students Information

On Nov 3, secondary students will be assigned an item from the list below. They are responsible for bringing several of that item to their Life Group by Nov 10 to pack boxes as a group.
  • Secondary students will pack boxes in Life Groups.
  • Secondary students bring assigned items to put in boxes by Nov 12, 2021.


Boy Groups Packing List
(packing for a boy age 10-14)
  • Pack of pencils and hand pencil sharpener
  • Pack of pens
  • Small pencil case
  • Flashlight(s) with extra batteries
  • Toothbrush (no toothpaste) and toothbrush cover/case
  • Deodorant
  • 1-2 Clothing items (shirt, shorts, socks, etc for a boy age 10-14)
  • Small notebook (to fit inside shoebox)
  • Tennis ball(s) or baseball(s)
  • Blank index cards
  • Small tool set or fishing kit
  • Hacky sack or yo-yo

Girl Groups Packing List
(packing for a girl age 10-14)
  • Pack of pencils and a hand sharpener
  • Pack of pens
  • Small pencil case
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Toothbrush and toothbrush cover/case (no toothpaste)
  • Deodorant
  • Hair accessories
  • 1-2 Clothing items (shirt, socks, dress, leggings, etc for a girl age 10-14)
  • Small notebook (to fit inside shoebox)
  • Blank index cards
  • Small sewing kit
  • Jump rope