Eastern Europe
More than 59,000 shoebox gifts packed in the UK in 2024 are now bringing joy to children in Eastern Europe!
To the thousands who receive them, these gift-filled boxes are a powerful symbol of hope and love.
Due to ongoing political and religious sensitivities in some parts of Eastern Europe, it’s important we prioritise the safety of our partners operating in restricted areas. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to disclose details about the specific country your shoebox was sent to. Wherever it’s landed, please know that the precious child who receives your gift will be truly blessed.
Below, we’ve shared some of our favourite videos, photos, and stories from the wider region. We pray it encourages your heart to see the difference that shoeboxes just like yours make.
One little boy who received a shoebox dreamt of having a real football to play with. When he found one, as well as a pump and football jersey is his shoebox, he was overjoyed!
The boy was so excited that the local distributors immediately helped him inflate the ball. He put on the jersey and said: "Now I'm a real soccer player! I have a jersey and finally my own real soccer ball!!”
Alexandra’s Shoebox
"My name is Alexandra*. I am 9 years old. I live with my foster mum, two brothers and two sisters. My sister invited me to the church for the Christmas holiday. We danced and read poems and they gave me a present. I have never received such a good gift before. When I opened the shoebox, I saw lots of lovely things, but I especially liked the doll. Thank you very much for the gift."
*Name changed
A Mother’s Joy!
At a nursery, 31 children heard about the Christmas story and were delighted to receive shoebox gifts. The parents expressed how thankful they were and that the children loved the gift boxes very much. One mother stopped the local partner the next day and said that she too had received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift when she was a child and that it was the most memorable thing from her childhood.
A Special Outreach Event
"A local church partner organised a distribution for the students at a local technical school for children with disabilities. Thirty-five children rejoiced greatly when they opened their gift boxes. All those children were going through many hardships. Thanks to Samaritan’s Purse, they experienced the moment of joy and happiness. The children, who often experienced rejection, accepted everything with opened hearts and rejoiced. Volunteers learnt so much from their childlike faith and love."
– Local Church Partner
Galina’s Story
Galina is a teacher in an orphanage. Every Christmas, Operation Christmas Child volunteers would come and visit this orphanage to distribute shoebox gifts. Galina heard the Christmas message so many times. She saw people playing with children and loving them. She said:
"I watched them and thought, who are these people and where did they get so much glow and love from? Why do they do this? The boys and girls were always happy to see volunteers and receive a gift box. I am so thankful to all those who work in this project, because our children receive so much love through these gifts – every gift is a real treasure."
The local partners were keen to pass on their thanks to everyone who packed a shoebox:
"Thank you our dear friends in the United Kingdom for your love, prayers and shoeboxes! Your support means a lot for our churches in this strange and difficult time."
What Happens After the Shoebox?
After receiving their shoebox gift, children can enrol in The Greatest Journey—12 fun and interactive Bible lessons—where they have the opportunity to discover who Jesus is, begin their journey of faith, and receive a New Testament in their own language. Watch the video below to see how The Greatest Journey changing lives in Mongolia.
Note: The Greatest Journey is offered free of charge, without obligation, and with the consent of the child’s parent or guardian.
Learn More About The Greatest Journey
