MADISON – Despite a global pandemic, millions of shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child were collected the week before Thanksgiving following a curbside drop-off model at more than 4,000 locations nationwide.

Creativity, determination, and faith inspired many individuals, families, churches, and groups to persevere in their efforts to pack shoeboxes amidst unprecedented challenges. Although official collection totals for North Central AL Area Team and nationwide results are still being tallied, personal stories of exceeded goals and overwhelming success are pouring in from across the country.

“Shoebox packers overcame the challenges of this unprecedented year to generously donate gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need,” said Operation Christmas Child senior director Randy Riddle. “Now more than ever, boys and girls around the world need hope. We are excited to deliver millions of shoeboxes to children in Jesus’ Name—sharing God’s love and reminding them that they are not alone.”

There’s still a way to participate for those who missed the collection week in November and are looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season.

Samaritan’s Purse offers a virtual shoebox packing tool called Build a Shoebox Online as a way to give boys and girls a tangible expression of God’s love through a gift-filled shoeboxes packed from your computer or handheld device. Shoeboxes built online often go to children in difficult-to-access countries. In just a few clicks, you can select toys and other fun items to include as well as a letter and photo to delight the heart of a child. Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers will pack and send your shoebox gifts for you.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.