Skip to main content
boy smiling with shoebox by river
OCC Gold

West Africa

More than 18,000 shoebox gifts packed in the UK in 2024 are now bringing joy to children in West Africa!

 

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 West Africa, 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.

Children Receiving Shoebox Gifts in West Africa

Kevin’s Story

Stories from Africa

Reaching the Hard-to-Reach

One day in a hard-to-reach fishing village built on stilts, a very special outreach event occurred. Scores of families came, and the pastor shared about Jesus, the Greatest Friend. Then the gifts—covered in a blanket until now—were given to each child.

“Three! Two! One!”

Shouts of happiness erupted. Children quickly searched through their boxes to see what was inside. It was a special moment!

A local partner shared that “We go by foot, by motorbike, by boat, and hundreds of miles from home. And because of this, we are seeing the generations come to Christ and I believe our African countries will see a better tomorrow because we are building a generation who knows Christ.”

group in remote river location with shoebox gifts

Made In His Image

Samaritan’s Purse delivered gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to the Village of Light School for the Blind in Togo, West Africa. Josephine, 12, was one student encouraged by a shoebox gift and, along with her classmates, took part in The Greatest Journey.

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 is being implemented is changing lives in Ghana.

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

 

Thank You for Packing Shoebox Gifts!