The Amazing Journey of a Simple Shoebox Gift | Samaritans Purse Skip to main content
Children on a boat with shoebox gifts

The Journey of a Shoebox 

Packing

Our supporters pack shoebox gifts each year to bring joy, love and hope to children in need around the world.

Year-round volunteers support these efforts around the UK.

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Collecting and Shipping

Churches, schools and groups collect these boxes during National Collection Week. Then, thousands of seasonal volunteers check and prepare the shoeboxes for international shipping.

Worldwide Distribution

Long before shoeboxes arrive in more than 100 countries, volunteer National Leadership Teams train church and community leaders who want to reach out generously to children with the joy of a simple gift and share the Christmas story of Jesus.

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Outreach Events

Our ministry partners around the world hand out shoebox gifts in the local community at festive outreach events. Along with the shoebox gifts children are also offered a Bible story booklet called The Greatest Gift, which tells them the story of God’s greatest gift, his son Jesus. 

Discover, Follow, Share

Engaging with parents and churches, children are invited to take part in a Bible discovery course, The Greatest Journey. In 12 fun and interactive sessions, they can explore how to follow Jesus and share Him with others. Through this, families are reached, churches grow and communities are transformed. 

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It all starts with you!

Join what God’s doing and pack a shoebox.

How to pack a Shoebox