Operation Christmas Child

History and Mission

Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaratin's Purse, was started in 1993 on a mission to reach children around the world with the Gospel of Christ. Since its inception, Operation Christmas Child has reached more than 178 million children in over 150 countries throughout the world with shoeboxes filled with small gifts, school supplies, and hygiene products. Many times these shoeboxes are the first gift the child has every received.

These Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes give joy to these precious children, but more importantly, they children learn about the love of God and the Gospel message.

More than 11.2 million boys and girls have made the decision to follow Christ as a result of this shoebox ministry and "The Greatest Journey".

Volunteers are trained to teach "The Greatest Journey," the follow-up discipleship course for recipients of these shoeboxes.

Operation Christmas Child Hillcrest Ministry

Hillcrest Baptist Church participates in Operation Christmas Child every year by accepting designated gifts throughout the year from our members. These small gifts, school supplies, and hygiene products are accumulated throughout the year and then the shoeboxes are filled by volunteers in the fall. 

Lists of specifically needed items are posted periodically on our Facebook page, at the church, or on this website. If you would like to participate in this worthwhile cause, you can bring the designated items to the church and place them in the provided box in the breezeway. 

If you would prefer to make a monetary donation for gifts or to help cover the costs of shipping, you can bring your donation to the church office or give it to Patsye Jones. 

You also have the option of building your own shoebox online for $25. You can go to samaritanspurse.org if you prefer this option.

In 2023, our volunteers packed 200 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child thanks to the generosity of our members!