Operation Christmas Child

Since the beginning of Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child in 1993, countless individuals have shared their passion for the project and inspired families, groups, and churches to pack shoe box gifts. These shoeboxes touch the lives of children and families around the world and to bring hope through the Good News of Jesus Christ.

How to get involved:
Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container, or pick up your gift boxes from Samaritan’s Purse at the church. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. 

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Labels are available to print from the Operation Christmas Child website, or you can pick up pre-printed labels at the church. Mark the correct age category on the label and tape the label to the top of your box. 

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Please donate $10 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. Just write a check to Samaritan's Purse (note "OCC" on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, you can make one combined donation. If you make your shipping donation online at the Operation Christmas Child website, you can track your box by printing the label they provide.

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop it off at First Methodist Church of Azle during our collection week.

Area Collection Center

During Area Collections week in 2023, First Methodist Church of Azle served as an area collection center for the community and surrounding areas. Save a trip to the metroplex next year by utilizing our church for your drop-off!